Death notice for John Frederick Bethell, 81 of Eastern Road, Nassau, The Bahamas, passed away peacefully at home with his sons on the morning of Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026.
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Born on August 22, 1944, in Saint Matthew’s Parish on the island of New Providence, Johnny was the first child of the late John H. Bethell and Hilda (Van Zeylen) Bethell. He attended St. Andrew’s School in Nassau and left early for Appleby College in Canada, followed by a brief time at the University of Miami, before being called back to Nassau to work at Bethell Estates. Throughout his life, Johnny was an avid Horticulturalist, Fisherman, Tennis Player, Pilot and amateur ornithologist. He was married for 55 years to the love of his life, the late Ellis Elizabeth (Johnson) Bethell, who passed away on October 4, 2022.
Johnny was a business leader with operations in Nassau, Abaco, and other Family Islands. He spent most of his career working with his family at Bethell Estates Ltd. He also served on numerous corporate boards, including a long tenure with FOCOL Holdings Ltd. Additionally, he was involved in several civic and charitable organizations, including the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) and the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).
He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Hilda Bethell; his half-sister, Patricia Anne Bethell; and his wife, Ellis Elizabeth Bethell. He is survived by his sons, John Harold Bethell and Frederick Aaron Bethell; his grandchildren, Stella Margaret Bethell and Harold Jackson Bethell; and his sisters, Mrs. Sandra Leoni Towning and Mrs. Deborah Page Tomlinson, and their families, the entire Bethell Family, Mr. Vislet Valsent, The Bethell Estates staff, far too many lifelong friends, and numerous business colleagues.
The family extends a personal thank you to Mr. Stephen Johnson and the staff of Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited for their care and support.
Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.
