Obituary - Dr. Michael O'Connor

I am so very sad to learn of Michael’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to his beloved families.
I had the privilege of co- managing the MH Regional Laboratory and South Zone Laboratory for many years. I learned so much from Michael over the years, yes about Laboratory Medicine however more important how he modelled dedication and loyalty to the laboratory staff and patients in South Zone. His kindness and generosity. His passion for the lab and quality lab services. His willingness to go to bat for what he felt was right. I could go on and on… Michael made the world a better place for all who knew him. A grievous loss 😢.

I extend my deepest condolences to Dominica, Siobhan and Brian. Michael was one of my first colleagues when I entered the practice of pathology. I have always remembered how supportive he was both professionally and personally at that stage of my career. And I appreciate the attributes ascribed to him regarding both his family and his profession. With sincere sympathy, Kirk Ready

My condolences to Michael’s family and community. I didn’t know him personally. I do know he was an inspiration to his neice and my friend Sarah Purcell. May he continue to inspire from his new home.

I am saddened to learn of Dr. O’Connor's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. O’Connor in the lab on projects small and large over the years. He was a voice of reason and he cared deeply about his lab family.

To his family and friends: may you find comfort in fond memories and the love and support of those around you. May time heal as you carry him in your hearts.

Rest in peace Michael.

Michael was a trusted colleague of mine for almost 35 years; more than that he was a loyal and true friend.
He was always curious and erudite, and was often one of the first pathologists to explore the newest science in the literature. I remember the first time he found a Helicobacter bacteria I had asked him to look for in a biopsy of a gastric ulcer, the first time one was looked for here - he was truly excited. He was a staunch and loyal ally in times of personal attack and a used his intellect and knowledge to good effect.

His contribution to medical care in Medicine Hat went well beyond his microscope, as he fought hard and well to bring the best laboratory medicine to the region. My deepest condolences are extended to Dominica and family and "ar dheis De go raibh a anam".

I am so sad to hear that Dr O has passed away. He was much too young. I will always remember how approachable and down to earth he was. He was kind and thoughtful and always supportive. His dedication to providing the best laboratory services is unmatched. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him, most especially Dominica, Siobhan, and Brian.

My sincere condolences to the family. It was also my privilege to work with Michael on various occasions.
I remember him as the true gentleman and a caring physician who always sought the best for his patients.

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Dr. O’Conner was an incredible person. Always kind, friendly, thoughtful and truly so outstanding in so many ways. A brilliant man. The last few times I talked with him he was so happy to have that sweet little granddaughter in his life.

Michael was a good and kind friend. He was so enthusiastic when we conferred about head and neck pathology. His smile was infectious. He made the world a better place. Condolences to Dominica and family.

Sincere condolences to the O'Connor family. Michael introduced me to the practice of pathology. His comprehension of the vast realm of general pathology (chemistry, microbiology, hematology and surgical pathology) was excellent. He also selflessly represented pathologists for years provincially, endeavouring to improve our practice of medicine. He was an excellent orator, representative, colleague and human being.

Michael was an outstanding colleague. Through the years he was always approachable regarding pathology questions and if he didn’t know the answer, he would find it & be excited about the process. In earlier years, we would often meet in the doctor’s lounge & chat about many things. He always had a logical perspective & a wry sense of humour. He would get that little twinkle in his eye! He was a tireless worker and an health care improver assisting with his considerable expertise on a Choosing Wisely project to limit unnecessary blood transfusions. That particular project was chosen to be presented at the national meeting. He made a great impact & I am saddened that his earthly time is complete.
My deepest condolences to Dominica & family.

I am sad to hear of Dr. O’Connor's passing. He was very kind and thoughtful; a very good man. Sincere condolences to all his family. May your memories help at this difficult time and the days ahead.

It was such a pleasure to get to know Michael during our weekly bridge games. He was such a very kind person and had a great sense of humor. My condolences to Dominica and family. Keep all those wonderful memories you have of Michael close to your heart. They will help you begin to heal from this huge loss.

My sincere condolences to Dr. O'Connor's family. I have known Michael for many years as a kind, wise and thoughtful physician who was considerate and weighed all aspects of any issue. As colleagues we met at meetings and over phone calls but I always held him in high regard.
He will be missed dearly.

I am truly sorry to read about the passing of Dr. O'Connor. I have many happy memories of the times we got to work together - I spoke about it just the other day to my colleagues, sharing what a pleasure it was to accomplish a very important project with you! Dominica, I am sending you a huge hug. My deepest condolences.

I am very saddened to hear about the loss of Dr. O'Connor. I worked with him for many years, and he was a very approachable, knowledgeable and wonderful man. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you Dominica and your family. May your memories help you through the difficult days ahead.
Ron and Tracy Perry

My heartfelt condolences to the family on the loss of a very special person. Dr. O'Connor was truly an amazing individual who always supported me, inspired me and mentored me throughout my entire laboratory medicine career. He will be missed dearly but remembered forever. Rest in peace Dr .O.

Dear Dominica,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I was in Nfld when Dr. O'Connor passed and I have had alot of time to think of him and remember all the wonderful time I spent with him over the past 22 years. Even as a friend in the last few years, I could never call him Michael, he was always Dr. O'Connor to me - my mentor and source of fatherly support in lab. He was always there to help with decisions about everything from identifying a cell to making a change in a policy or procedure. My favorite memories are going back to the path office at MHDL where we would look into the double headed microscope mutually excited about a Hairy Cell or a Blast etc. We shared a love of Hematology and spent a lot of time discussing cell morphology and such. Also, over the years we had so many lovely conversations about our homelands, Ireland and Newfoundland and our love of both. He was a dear man who was loved and respected by all in the lab and hospital world. He always made time to speak to any of us who knocked on his door ( AND as you know he was not one for ever giving a short answer hahaha). He will be greatly missed. Please let Bill and I know if we can do anything to help during this difficult time.

I have so many fond memories of Michael - a true champion for regional/rural laboratory medicine and all things Medicine Hat - and am so fortunate that I got to know he and Dominica on a more personal level during my visits to Medicine Hat for work. Michael was a true gentleman and respected clinician and has left a strong legacy for our laboratory medicine community that will be sustained long into the future. Sending my thoughts and deepest condolences to his friends and family.

Dr. O was an extremely knowledgeable man. He was always ready to teach when people wanted to learn. He has been truly missed since his forced retirement. My sincere condolences to you all.