John Patrick Bell

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John. Born and raised in Toronto by his parents, George and Barbara (Greatorex) Bell. Proud and loving husband of Judy for 56 years, father to Kirsten, Sean (Erin Blair), Ryan (Catherine Russell), and grandfather to Lauren, Noah, and Luke Kelleher, and Madeleine and Phoebe Bell. Brother to Cheryl (Chris Gadsby) and best ball thrower for Emi and Quint. John was devoted to his family, celebrating their successes and sharing their sorrows. They formed the core of his life.

John graduated from the University of Toronto in 1966, and Osgoode Law School in 1969. He joined the firm of Shibley Righton, working there as a senior partner for 40 years, founding the Education Law Group. John acted for public and private institutions, as well as private individuals and corporations. He was retained by numerous school boards and recognized as one of the preeminent lawyers in Ontario. He was counsel to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Ontario Legislature Standing Committee on the Ombudsman, acted for the Ministry, and represented clients in litigation matters at all levels of the courts - provincial, federal, and the Supreme Court. He was also heavily involved in professional development, teaching the Legal Liability of Educators at York University. He was a founding member and first president of CAPSLE (Canadian Association for the Practical Study of Law in Education) and the Canadian Bar Association-Education Law Section. He was a Director of TEOF (Toronto Educational Opportunity Fund), The Learning Partnership, Goodwill Toronto, and past president of St. Andrews Ratepayers.

John was what every client needs in a lawyer; insightful and strategic, reliable and principled, sensitive and concerned about his clients best interests. Most of his highly impactful career focused on helping school Boards actualize the potential of public education in serving students and their families. His keen intelligence, coupled with his deep commitment, made him both a fierce advocate and a steady, powerful advisor. He was also a wonderful, talented, and patient teacher with the ability to pass on his skills.

John’s real love was his family. He worshiped and celebrated each of them. He cherished every moment, especially at Lake of Bays, with good food, conversations around the table, ample dogs, boating, oversized camp fires, sports events, and his herb garden. He always said, “I would rather be remembered as a family man”. His love extended well beyond his immediate relatives, welcoming so many into his family over the years. His sense of humour, love of storytelling, and genuine caring nature fostered an environment that people enjoyed and loved him for. The impact of his loss reaches well beyond the Bell family.

We wish to thank the doctors and the nurses that took care of him in the ICU at North York General Hospital.

Slán go fóill (Gaelic for “Goodbye for now”).

To honour John, a donation to the Toronto Educational Opportunity Fund (TEOF) will enable hundreds of more kids to receive the nutritious meals they require to thrive at school. TEOF began within the Toronto school system and continues to serve communities in need of nutrition. Based on the needs of a school, a subsidy is provided by TEOF to supplement nutrition programs. The need has never been greater than it is today. To donate, please visit https://www.teof.ca/.

A celebration of life will be taking place on Sunday, June 8th from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Angus Glen Golf Club, 10080 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON L6C 1N9.