Neville Nathaniel Tennant

Neville Nathaniel Tennant:

 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Neville Nathaniel Tennant (known as “Charlie” to friends and family in Jamaica) who at 92 years of age, passed away peacefully at Toronto Western Hospital on February 23, 2025. Neville is predeceased by his loving wife Sybil Joy, and his parents Charles Tennant and Hilda Martin. Neville is survived by his children David (Janet) and Paula, and his step-children, Denise (Neil), Robert (Josephine), and Chris (Silvia). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: O’Neil, Samantha, Derrick, Nicole, Michael, Chad, Austin, Melissa, Andre, and six great grandchildren: Nyzaiah, Amias, Jaede, Prince, Alice and Gabriel. 

Neville was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, on April 17, 1932. While in Jamaica, he worked at the records office in Spanish Town and at Alcan Jamaica Limited in Ewarton. In 1957 he left Jamaica to attend Howard University in Washington DC., where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He then emigrated to Canada in 1962 and pursued a distinguished career as an electrical engineer with Northern Telecom and Control Data. Following his retirement, he worked as a private engineering consultant.

He was an exceptional athlete in track and field, cricket, soccer, golf and tennis and enjoyed watching all sports (favourite teams being the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Lakers and Canadiens). In his early years, he loved Bridge nights with his friends and enjoyed travelling and cruising to Hawaii and the Caribbean with his wife, Joy. To keep his mind active in the later years, he would complete the daily Sudoko puzzle from the Toronto Star. 

Neville’s presence was always notable and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him, including his second family within the neighbourhood (Sebastian/John Cabotway) where he lived for over 50 years. A special thanks should be extended to the staff at Queens Estate Retirement Home, his third family where he lived for the last year.

The family will receive friends at Ward Funeral Home 2035 Weston Rd, Toronto ON Thursday March 6th, 2025 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm and a Celebration of Life will take place at 1:00pm.  Following the service the family will have a reception for family and friends attending.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Neville’s honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Click here to donate to Heart and Stroke Foundation

Click here to view service