John Gilbert Bellamy

John passed away peacefully in his 91st year at his home in Ottawa on December 16, 2020, after a long and slow decline brought on by dementia. John was born in Nottingham, England, the only child of Alfred and Gladys (Robinson) Bellamy. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 60 years, Annette (Fearn), his children Joanna (John Gronau) and Matthew (Heather Coutts), and his grandchildren Simon Bellamy and Max and Sophia Gronau, all of whom live in Ottawa.

A graduate of Oxford University, after teaching history at Swanwick Grammar School, Huntingdon Grammar School and Loughborough College John emigrated to Canada with his young family in 1968 to take up a professorial position at Carleton University, where until 2014 he taught medieval English history.

Professor Bellamy inspired in his students a love of the topic to which he dedicated many years of his life in research, and before dementia clouded his mind and memory he wrote eight published books on medieval and early Tudor crime and punishment. In his earlier years he was an avid golfer and tennis enthusiast, a passion that he passed on to his children. His extended family delighted in his brilliant and lively mind and quick wit, and appreciated his extensive knowledge of geopolitical and historical ideas. They also affectionately tolerated his efforts as an amateur musician both as an operatic tenor and a self-taught clarinetist – strictly within the confines of his home. John will be greatly missed by his cherished family and friends and his relatives in England.

The family wishes to express gratitude and thanks to the community care-workers and staff at CBI Home Health and SE Health who for the past two years made possible John's care at home. His extended family will gather for a final farewell at McEvoy Shields Funeral Home prior to John's cremation, and a celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Donations in John's memory may be made to the Dementia Society or a charity of your choice.