Rupert Ellis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on April 17, 1934, in Hanover, Jamaica, Rupert lived a life shaped by resilience, generosity, and a deep devotion to the people he loved.
Rupert’s story began in the hills of Hanover, where he grew up surrounded by family, community, and the rhythms of Jamaican life. From a young age, he developed a natural talent for working with his hands — a gift that led him first to a career as a carpenter, and later as a machinist. His craftsmanship was more than a trade; it was an expression of his patience, precision, and pride.
Beyond his work, Rupert found joy in the simple, meaningful pleasures of life. He loved movies, music, cricket, cruises, and fixing anything that needed a steady hand. But above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends. His laughter, his stories, and his gentle wisdom created a sense of comfort and belonging wherever he went. Rupert had a way of making people feel seen and supported — a steady presence whose kindness left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
Rupert is survived by his wife, Grace, who will forever cherish his love and companionship, and by his children Ronald, Michael, Cynthia, Marcia, Lennox, and Paul. Sisters Daphne and Thelma. He is predeceased by his daughter Lorna and his son Conrad, whom he now joins in eternal rest.
He is forever loved and missed by his granddaughter Chantel, his 11 grandchildren, his great grandchildren, and his many nieces and nephews. To his family, Rupert was the heart of their world: a source of strength, a keeper of traditions, and a man whose love was constant and unconditional. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the lives he touched across generations.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lai and the House Calls team, as well as Dr. Jassal and team at the Kidney Clinic at University Health Network, Bernard and Ilyas at the Neighbourhood group and Ramil from St. Elizabeth Health for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.
A Celebration of Rupert’s Life will be held on June 1 at York Cemetery and Funeral Centre on Monday, June 1 at 10 a.m. (visitation from 9-10 a.m.) followed by burial and reception.
The service will be livestreamed at 10 a.m. The link will be available at the top of this page at 9:50 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to House Calls or the Multi-Care kidney Clinic at the University Health Network in his honour.
https://www.sprintseniorcare.org/donate/donate-now/
https://support.uhnfoundation.ca/site
Funeral Details
Show location:
Visitation
York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 1W7
Get Directions
Monday, 1 Jun 2026 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Funeral
York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 1W7
Get Directions
Monday, 1 Jun 2026 10:00 AM
Interment
York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 1W7
Get Directions
Monday, 1 Jun 2026 11:30 AM
Reception
York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 1W7
Get Directions