DR. MICHAEL O’CONNOR, MB. FRCPC.

DR. MICHAEL O’CONNOR, MB. FRCPC. May 13, 1955 ~ July 21, 2023
Michael Erwin O’Connor passed with family by his side at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital from complications arising from his cancer.
Dominica Meagher, his wife of 41 years; Siobhan O’Connor, his daughter, and Brian O’Connor, his son, will always be greatly influenced by the dedication that Michael brought to his roles as a husband, father, and physician. He was fortunate to have some time with his first grandchild, Gwendolyn Grieman. He will also be missed by sons-in-law, Christopher Thompson and Ben Grieman; brothers-in-law, Philip Sexton, Nicholas Morrissey, Sean Meagher (Di Woodstock), and Tim Meagher; sisters-in-law, Margaret Meagher, Marie (John) Purcell, and Bernie Meagher as well as many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. Tragically, Michael experienced the heartache of losing his daughter, Ailish in 2011 and then suffered the loss of his only sister Mary who passed away in 2018. He was also predeceased by his parents, John and Collette O’Connor; parents-in-law, Timothy and Mary Meagher; sisters-in-law, Helen Meagher, Eileen Morrissey and Stephanie Meagher; brother-in-law, Gerry Meagher; and grand-nephew, Nicholas Evans.
Michael was born in Dublin, Ireland. He attended Belvedere College followed by University College Dublin School of Medicine. In pursuing medicine, Michael continued his family’s long history of careers in science, research and medicine. He did his residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital where he met his wife, Dominica. He started his pathology practice at The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. Michael and Dominica had their first daughter Ailish before leaving Ireland in 1985, followed by the births of Siobhan and Brian after settling in Canada. He completed his residency at Foothills Hospital in Calgary before accepting a permanent position in Medicine Hat.
Michael has lived in Medicine Hat since 1987, where he had a long career in laboratory medicine. This tenure included taking an active role in the groundwork that led to the cervical screening program in Alberta, many years as the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital Lab Director, and support for the expansion of point of care testing. Despite often working on small details in the background, Michael always kept the big picture in mind and was motivated by the impact that his work would ultimately have on patients. In 2020, a stage IV cancer diagnosis forced an abrupt decision to retire.
Michael was the epitome of a lifelong learner. He loved reading and sought to stay up to date on a range of topics, including those related to his profession as well as those he chose out of an innate curiosity about the world. He felt it was important never to rest on one’s laurels, and as such was an advocate for continuous improvement. Michael had a quiet thoughtful demeanor which was evident in his many insightful conversations with people on a wide variety of subjects.
Michael was always quick to acknowledge the contributions of others. He would have made certain to thank all the professionals who helped him in his care. The treatments available gave him three more years with all of us, and for that we will always be grateful.
A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. The service will be live-streamed, so anyone who is not able to attend but wishes to be a part of the service can visit www.cooksouthland.com and select the view broadcast button on the home page at service time. Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”