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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
DEWAR, John Joseph - passed away at home, with family, on October 30, 2026 following a six-year struggle with lung and associated cancers. Although his body was failing him, he was the John (aka JD, Johnny, Johnny Ho, Bud, Pops and Grandpa) everyone knew right until the end: visiting, sharing stories, instructing on cooking and recipes, cracking “dad” jokes and passing along “Flipp” deals to his family and friends.
John was born in Ottawa on April 16,1958 and grew up in the Carlingwood area before his family settled in Kanata. He attended Earl of March High School, and following a short effort at Queen’s University, graduated from Algonquin College in the Electronics Engineering Technology program. A lover of the water, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1985 and honed his trade as a combat systems engineer. He served on HMCS Yukon, Mackenzie, Halifax and Kootenay, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He also served in fleet maintenance, project management and finance with postings in Halifax, Victoria and Ottawa. He retired from the Navy in 2009 but continued his career in the public service at the Department of National Defence in Navy finance and procurement. He retired from the public service in April of 2020.
John loved his family, his friends (both human and canine), fishing, cooking and the Ottawa Senators. He was happiest jigging, trolling, crabbing or prawning and cooking and sharing a meal with his family and his many, many friends and neighbours. John thrived in his relationships and made a strong and lasting impact on those around him. He had a dry wit, an infectious laugh and the creativity to manage the English language to develop many spicy “Johnisms” that often came out when he was driving or when the Sens were playing poorly. John cared for and nurtured the world around him, whether caring for his gardens, providing advice and guidance to his children and "adopted" daughters, or sharing recipes and food with the numerous friends and family in his life. He loved to try new foods and the foods of different cultures and recreate them at home. His legacy will be felt through his children’s strong ability to make soups and having turned numerous people into mini foodies.
John is survived by his sister Debbie Monk (Rick); his wife and partner Gina Grosenick; his three children Jeremy Joost (Victoria Owen), Katrina Joost (Tim London) and Sam Dewar (Chantal); his four grandchildren Lincoln Dewar, Alivia Dewar, Adelaide Joost and John Joost; and his chihuahua Squiggle.
The family would like to thank his family physician, Dr. Alin Morariu, his primary oncologists Dr. David Stewart and Dr. Marc Gaudet, and the palliative home care team, especially Dr. Tara Jennings and his nurse, Xiaomin, for the support and caring provided to him over his cancer journey.
John’s wish was to be cremated. His ashes will be spread by his family in his favourite fishing spot in the Pacific Ocean later this summer. For those who would like to raise a glass to his memory in the company of friends and family, a celebration of life will be held at Calabogie Brewing Company (Kanata) on December 4 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre in his memory. (Cole Funeral Services)
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