Dr. Michael T. Connolly

Michael, Mike, MTC, Doc, or Big Guy though small in stature was a mighty presence in the lives of many.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife Marg, his children Michelle (Carlo), Marcia, Michael J. (Meghan), his grandchildren Nicolas, Jordan, Lauren, Harlan, James and Brendan, his siblings Marie (the late Mel), Thomas (Teresa), Clare (the late Bill), Patricia (Mike), Terry (Cheryl), and Art (Barbara), his brother in law Fraser, his sister in laws Cathie and Jan, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was the fourth of seven children to Thomas and Helen Connolly. Raised on a family farm, his love and support for family and strong, determined work ethic were developed at an early age.

A curious, lifelong learner who always wanted to help others, Mike graduated from Western’s Faculty of Medicine, 1969. While at Western, he met the love of his life Marg, but she will always be Maggie to him. They recently celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary.

Medicine took them to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. In 1976 Mike was a member of Canada’s Olympic Medical team and began his specialty training in Dermatology at McGill. In 1979 they moved to Niagara where he has been a member of the Greater Niagara medical community for 47 years.

After retiring from full-time practice in 2009, Mike continued to be available for consultation through TeleDerm and E-Consults up until earlier this year. As well, he was involved with Melanoma Canada/Mole Mobile and travelled all over Ontario conducting community screenings for skin cancer.

Generous, supportive, Mike always showed up for family, friends, and the many causes he believed in. This was often done behind the scenes.

Mike’s personal interests were wide and varied, and family and friends often shared there was never a dull moment when with him. From his university varsity wrestling, canoeing including the Nahanni River, playing squash, windsurfing, playing hockey for 60+ years, downhill skiing, bike riding including the Big Move Cancer Ride, flying his plane to various Canadian/US destinations, hunting and telling tales at the Ketchecum Hunt Club, and for the last 20 years a love/hate relationship with golf. He and Maggie ended in a tie – they each have four holes in one.

Mike’s children and grandchildren have lost their mentor, coach, and loudest cheerleader too. They knew days or trips with dad and poppa brought new experiences, favourite meals, and ice cream dates.

The family would like to thank Niagara EMT, the GNGH ICU, and his Greater Niagara medical colleagues (too many to name) who have cared for Mike these last few months.

Mike’s arrangements have been entrusted to Patterson Funeral Home, 6062 Main St, Niagara Falls, ON. Visitations will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Niagara Health Foundation “In Memory of Dr. M. T. Connolly - It's Our Future Campaign" would be appreciated by the family. Mike believed in and was a generous supporter of the Niagara health care system and the community it served. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhome.com