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Maire and John Percy lit a candle
Monday, May 25, 2015
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Dear Sheila and family, Our hearts have been with you all. It has been difficult to acknowledge George's passing, but his collegial guidance and wisdom will never be forgotten. The years I spent in his lab were the best ones of my life - he gave us the freedom to learn how to discover while allowing us to feel protected and "safe". Always fondly remembered, Maire
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Catharine Fitton ( Crabbe) posted a condolence
Thursday, April 23, 2015
When I was a student at Trinity College, U of T, (1984-1988) I was a member of the Coalition for a Women's Centre on campus. We collected petitions and I volunteered to present them to Mr. Connell. He met with me for half an hour and listened carefully to why female students felt we needed a Women's Centre. Soon after, we got space for the Centre and Mr. Connell came to our Opening! I was so impressed with him! Catharine Fitton ( Crabbe)
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Tom Anthony posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
Dear Sheila, Just a quick note to celebrate George's life and yours with him. We went to South Africa in 1975 and in early years you supported the Public Social Responsibility Unit. My colleague Doug Hodgkinson greatly valued the warmth of your friendship. Shalom ! Tom
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Dr. Robert Beath posted a condolence
Monday, March 30, 2015
Dear Sheila and Family. My association with your husband and father occurred during his term as Presiident at UWO and I was active in the UWO Alumni Assoc. We shared in common his parents profession of Dentistry. I admired his ability to relate to all members of the University Community and his skills at what I call quiet diplomacy.
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Randy and Patty Grimes posted a condolence
Monday, March 30, 2015
Dear Sheila and family: Patty and I just returned from Florida and saw the news. George was a tremendous mentor to me in my early career, and more importantly, became a great friend. From our ski trips and squash games together, I learned that he shared my sense of family and balance in life. He was truly a great person and a fine gentleman.
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Ian Roy posted a condolence
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Jim So very sad to hear about the passing of your father. Have nothing but respect and admiration for him. He was a very intelligent and kind person who knew so very well how to deal with us troubled kids back in the days. Many fond memories of the " Fort " on Lytton Bllvd and of your father's guidance. My kindest regards to your sister's, brother and mother as well. .
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Ian Roy posted a condolence
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Jim So very sad to hear about the passing of your father. Have nothing but respect and admiration for him. He was a very intelligent and kind person who knew so very well how to deal with us troubled kids back in the days. Many fond memories of the " Fort " on Lytton Bllvd and of your father's guidance. My kindest regards to your sister's, brother and mother as well. .
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Nana Tirolese ( nee Thompson) posted a condolence
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Dear Meg, I'm not sure if you remember me but we played the French Horn in the band at Central S.S. and also were part of a small group of girls who did makeup for one of the Gilbert and Sullivan shows at Western back in the late 70's. This, of course, brings to mind the closing night party you hosted at your then home on Richmond Street. I recall how gracious your parents were to have the cast and crew over to celebrate a wonderful experience with the operetta, HMS Pinafore. I still have fond memories of that night. I was very sorry to hear about your father's passing, so I wanted to contact you and tell you my little memory of a wonderful night. My condolences go out to you and to your family. -Nana
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Tom Guinsburg posted a condolence
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Sheila and Family, I was deeply saddened to learn,only yesterday of George's passing. I was privileged,during his years at Western, to work closely with George and after hearing of his passing spent many moments of reflection,before recounting to my wife, who never met him, stories that illustrated his unique comnination of competence, humility, integrity and human decency that were the hallmarks of his professional leadership and personal life. Those who knew him well will cherish similar memories. I share your sorrow. Au revoir, George. Tom Guinsburg
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tom & kath kinahan posted a condolence
Friday, March 27, 2015
Kath & I have fond memories of our friends The Connells during their stay in London. Our warmest wishes at this sad time.
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Tim Elliott posted a condolence
Friday, March 27, 2015
I have very happy memories of our early morning tennis matches at the B&R - and our conversations before and after. George was very interested in my reflections on life and improvisation and shared some of his thinking about how nature improvises. I admired his mind, his kindness, and his perseverance when tennis became a challenge. The only thing I didn't appreciate was when he dropped a shot over the net. Thinking of Sheila and the family of which he was so proud. Warm regards Tim
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Kyle Chatfield posted a condolence
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Dear Sheila and family. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of George. I will remember him fondly and am honoured to have had the opportunity to work with him in his later years. He was a great man and will be missed. My deepest sympathies to all you. Best Regards Kyle
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Ahmad Husseini, P.Eng posted a condolence
Thursday, March 26, 2015
George was the best Chair of the International ISO (International Organization of Standards) Technical Committee ISO/TC 207 on Energy Management. I worked with him as the International Secretariat of that Committee. George was an excellent Chair, he was a great friend and after he left the Committee we would talk and chat about all the wonderful things he did. A great loss to Canada. May he rest in Peace. Ahmad
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Timothy Crooks posted a condolence
Thursday, March 26, 2015
George was a founding member of The Lake Simcoe Coalition. He brought credibility to the Coalition with his stelar academic record. He had a bright mind that brought wisdom to our discussions. I still chuckle at some of his jokes. I will miss him.
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Andrew Watson posted a condolence
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Dear Sheila, My memories of George -- and my friendship with him -- stretch back to our days as students at Trinity College and continue through our days on the staff of the U. of T., where George rose to be President. These are all, every one of them, good memories. In reading the obituary, I am impressed by all his valuable contributions, a number of which I did not know about. Now I am thinking about you and your family. Please accept my full sympathy. Andrew Watson
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Stephen B H Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Thanks to Ruth Remedios I only just found out about George's death as I was in New Zealand and did not see or hear anything about it. So sorry although I do understand he had not been well for the last few years. It would be beyond Val's understanding if I told her so I will ask you to accept condolences from her and from me, and to know we both shared a deep love and affection for you both. SBHS
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Jan & Bill Trimble posted a condolence
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Sheila, Jan and I were saddened to learn of George's death earlier this past week. Both of us have extremely fond memories (and some interesting stories) of George's tenure at Western. Unfortunately,we will not be able to come to Toronto to-day or tomorrow,but it is our intention to write a personal note in the next few days. Our thoughts are with you. Jan & Bill Trimble
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Spencer Lanthier posted a condolence
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Dear Sheila and family: My sincere sympathies to you on George's passing. I first met both of you during our mutual time in London Ontario and George was leading the U of T at the time of my first meeting of Governing Council. George was A terrific person and the two of you made a formidable team.He made numerous important contributions to our country and will be missed. Spencer Lanthier
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Diane (Bellefleur) Saunders posted a condolence
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Dear Sheila and Family, I am sadden to read of George's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have such fond memories of all of you from St. Philips Church so very long ago. I remember how you would open your home for Carol singing and goodies at Christmas time and how much we all missed you when you moved away. I remember how warm and caring George and you always were and I send you my thanks. Love to you all, Diane (Bellefleur) Saunders.
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Claire Malcolmson posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Dear Sheila and family, I am sorry for your loss, and want to share with you my fondness for George. I believe he helped me before we had even met; Sheila and George hosted the "Paddling Around Lake Simcoe" PALS team at a party at their cottage in 2002. It was one of the events that first brought people together for the health of Lake Simcoe (and a glass of wine). That summer experience connected me to so many people at the Lake that I made the Lake's health the focus of my career so far. George was so clearly concerned, thoughtful, and kind. He was a wonderful ambassador that evening, and for the Lake. All the lake-lovers benefited from his involvement. Peace, Claire
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Dona Harvey and Bill Klassen posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Dear Sheila, Bill and I were deeply saddened to learn of George's passing. We remember both of you with much fondness. I was so privileged to work closely with George during my time at the U of T in the late 1980s (how time has flown!). He was one of the most decent, thoughtful, gracious, kind and perceptive individuals I've ever worked with -- and a person with a strong sense of duty and commitment to do what is right. His courage in defending his principles was at times breathtaking and, to some, maddening (how well we remember the South Africa divestment 'debate'!)but his passion for and courage to do for what he believed in always shone through. Bill and I treasure our times with you both. We regret we are unable to attend the visitation or funeral because of close family visiting from afar. We offer our sympathy and much caring. From Waterloo, Dona Harvey and Bill Klassen
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June Elliot posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Sheila and family, I want to tell you how very much your friendship meant to my mom and dad (Walter and Marion). They shared wonderful conversations (the childhoods in Saskatchewan) and had some lovely experiences with you and George, both in Toronto and on Lake Simcoe. Walter and George had grandfathers who were cousins, so we really are all linked together. I wish you comfort in the days ahead. You and the children and grandchildren will always 'carry him with them' throughout life. My condolences to you. June
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John and Fay Dirks posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Dear Sheila and family, We want to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of George. We served under his Presidency at the University of Toronto. He steered the University in a new direction and was very supportive of the research mission. He was at all times a great scholar, and person of the highest integrity and exemplary character. His was indeed a life well lived. With much sympathy, John and Fay Dirks
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Frank MacGrath posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Sheila & family, I had the good fortune to meet "President Connell" during my undergraduate days at U of T. George was very welcoming on many occasions to student leaders and student societies on campus and was genuinely interested in talking to young undergrads. He was a wonderful leader of U of T during a very difficult period and I was glad to have had the opportunity to meet him. Regards, Frank MacGrath U of T 1986
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Lynn Copeland posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
I was very sorry to hear about George's passing. I lived across the road on Ridley Blvd. and babysat for the kids aeons ago. However, 'Dr. Connell' was most helpful to me when I decided (first in my family) to go to university and I remember him and 'Mrs. Connell' and the kids very fondly and with gratefulness.
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beverly and Milton Israel posted a condolence
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Dear Sheila We are saddened by the news of George's passing. We know he struggled for some time, and there is nothing we can say to lighten the load of this great loss. We want you to know however that two old friends with many sweet memories of you and George are thinking of you with affection and concern. Sincerely, Bev and \milt
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Ruth N. Botelho posted a condolence
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Dear Sheila, I was George's secretary, and knew you, when he was President of U of T 1984-90. When his appt. was announced, his previous sec'y, Bea Stafford (when he was V-P Research) clasped my hands and said: "Oh, my dear, you have no idea how lucky you are". She was right. George was a brilliant, but gracious and modest man. We had only one significant disagreement: he preferred to use paper clips to attach papers, while I preferred to use staples. Early in his tenure, he entered the office one day and noted that I was listening to radio station CFMX, and I learned that we both had an interest in classical music. I did not know your children, but believe that Meg and Caroline greeted guests at your 50th anniversary celebration. It is coincidental that George and John Evans died within about two weeks of each other. They both made enormous contributions to academe and public service. I was privileged to know them both and share your loss. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend George's funeral, as I am recovering from surgery, but I will be with you in spirit. Ruth N. Botelho
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Alex Pathy posted a condolence
Friday, March 20, 2015
Dear Sheila, I am out of the country and I just learned of George's passing with great sadness. The news brought back a flood of memories of our time together at Simcoe Hall in the 1980s, when George was a good friend, a wise counsellor, and a valued mentor to me. I have never forgotten the support he gave me in those years, or the steady calm leadership he provided to the university. He was a special man. I will always remember him with much fondness, and be grateful that I had the privilege to work with him. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. Alex Pathy
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Judy and Harry Schachter posted a condolence
Friday, March 20, 2015
Dear Sheila and family: We are most sorry to hear of George's passing. We know that you have had many difficult years due to George's lengthy illness and our hearts go out to you! When I (Harry) first met George many years ago, I only saw his long legs. He was under a huge machine which needed fixing. George was not only a magnificent administrator (Chairman of the Biochemistry Department and later as a leader of many other centres of academia), he was also a top-notch hands-on renkowned researcher. I was proud to serve under his chairmanship of the Biochemistry Department for many years. We offer our most heart-felt condolences to you and your family. George was a wonderful colleague and friend. We treasured knowing him. Love, Judy and Harry.
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Joanne and Joe Uyede posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Dear Sheila: Joe and I were so sorry to read of George's passing. He was always one of our favorites. He was a kind, intelligent, humane person, with a delightful sense of humour. I have never forgotten the letter he sent to our youngest daughter,Lisa, who was only 4 at the time, He thanked her for the picture she had drawn for him. That he would take time to do that says more about him as a person than anything. We are out of the country next week and will therefore not be able to attend the service for him but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. In deepest sympathy, Joe and Joanne
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Michael & Pat Gass posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Jim & Bev, Pat and I were saddened to read of the passing of your Dad. He was a wonderful man. I remember the day that Pat and I were invited to your Mom and Dad's home in London, Ontario when he was President of Western. It was a great day. Our thoughts are with you and the rest of your family at this difficult time. Michael & Pat Gass
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Chris Helleiner posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Dear Sheila, I was very sorry to hear about George's death. As you know, he was a very long-time friend, going all the way back to graduate school. I have been in awe of his career ever since. Mary and I remember fondly your visit with George, and I was very grateful for his supportive report on our department. I have often thought that you had a special place in your heart for biochemists, and obviously chose the best one. My best wishes at this sad time. Chris H
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Sarah Hicks & Michael Leckman posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Dear Sheila and family - we were very sorry to hear of George's passing. He was a lovely and wise man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sarah and Michael.
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Ruth and Doug Grant posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Dear Sheila, George was a wonderfull man, intelligent, kind, warm, and he made significant and lasting contributions in many different areas of civic life, and to his many friends and his Family. He also had a wonderful wife. We are away until March 22, and might miss his memorial service. Our love and best wishes. Ruth and Doug.
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Mimi Hollenberg posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Dear Sheila, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and to your family on George,s death. He was a remarkable, warm and decent human being. My husband, Charles, was a great admirer of his and always enjoyed the times that they spent together. Sincerely, Mimi
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Gayle & John Smallbridge posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Sheila and extended family: Our happiest thoughts are with you and our sincere prayers. George was a most accepting, attentive, and helpful man, from student days when we first met to the present time.He was ever-ready to "lend an ear" and his quiet demeanor belied his quick thinking and resolutions. We enjoyed his and your presences here in London and fondly remember him and you at a past Trinity Reunion. May you take solace in the life he lived and the things he accomplished. Gayle & John Smallbridge
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Donna Baptist posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Meg, I was very sorry to read of your father's passing. What an accomplished man; you must be very proud of the legacy he leaves. My sincere condolences to you and your family, Donna
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Frances(Arnoldi) Main posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Dear Tom and family, I am very sorry to hear of the death of your father.My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
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Joe Driskill posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Joe Driskill made a donation to Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation - www.lakesimcoefoundation.ca
Sheila, I am holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many warm memories of the contributions you and George made to Western and London during your years here. As a UWO chaplain at the time, I felt blessed to have people with such integrity and humor leading the university community. With much appreciation.
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Kyle Chatfield posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Kyle Chatfield made a donation to Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation - www.lakesimcoefoundation.ca
I know how much George and the family enjoyed time at the cottage. As a fellow cottager I can relate to how special the family cottage is and thought it best to help in the conservation of Lake Simcoe. Warm Regards Kyle
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Ann Walmsley posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Ann Walmsley made a donation to University of Toronto Department of Biochemistry - www.donate.utoronto.ca/connell
In memory of George Connell from the Walmsley family.
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Joan Eddy posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Joan Eddy made a donation to Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation - www.lakesimcoefoundation.ca
Dear Sheila, Our happy times with you and George have given me some wonderful memories which I shall treasure always. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you say goodbye to him. A special hug to you for the wonderful care you have provided these last several years. Affectionately, Joan
