Obituary of Charles O'Connell MD

Dr. Charles Leo O'Connell passed away March 28, 2016 in his 93rd year under the kind care of the staff of The Village at University Gates. He was predeceased by his parents Dr. John and Mrs. Bridgit O'Connell, and his siblings Miller, John and Elizabeth. He leaves behind his devoted wife Bonnie, sisters in law Bernadette & Ruth, nieces and nephews, Sheilagh, Shaun, Maureen (Wendy), Lorne (Joanne), Tim (Lesley)&Colleen and great nieces and nephews, Siobhan, Kyle, Austen, Connor, Sheryl and Jacqueline. Charlie, as he was known to most, earned a BSC from St Francis Xavier University in 1945 and graduated medical training from the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland in 1953 subsequently receiving his licentiate of midwifery from The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin. Over his life he was stationed at the DEW Line, practiced as a GP and General Surgeon in Kitchener and served with Care Medico in Honduras & Indonesia for which he was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal. He loved playing the piano, swimming and skiing... a highlight being skiing the Alps at 73. In retirement, he shared his love of music by playing ``gigs`` at area retirement homes and care centres and more recently by entertaining his fellow residents at University Gates. Charlie`s positive, caring attitude and love of life had an impact on everyone he met and he will be greatly missed. Friends are invited to share their memories of Charlie with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Wednesday, March 30 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The celebration service will be held on Thursday, March 31 at 11 AM, followed by a light lunch in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. Condolences for the family and donations to St Mary's Hospital, The Grand River Hospital or The Salvation Army would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.