Denis (Raymond Denis) O'Connor

Raymond Denis O'Connor passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, in his 97th year. He is survived by his beloved wife Ursula, 66 years of a loving marriage; and by their children, Brian (Sheli), Maureen (Gil d. 2005; Paul), Cathy (David), Eileen (Remy), Monica (Stephen); grandchildren, Kaeli, Denis (Nicole), Keegan (Sara), Brennan, Nicole, Stephanie (Henry), Matt (Kaitlin), Connor (Rachel), Cara, Estelle, Marina, Claira, Justin; great-grandchild, Frederick. Denis was born October 30, 1928, in Pickering, Ontario, son of Arthur and Margaret (Dalton) O'Connor and grew up on their family farm, Maplehurst. He was predeceased by his siblings, George (RCAF), Marguerite, Patricia, Morgan, Helen, Gerri, Terry (Colleen), Maurice, Moira Ste Marie (Ron); Ursula's siblings, Fr. Carl, Sr. Theresa and Victor Matthews. Denis is survived by in-laws, Paul (Patricia), Michael (Jan), Barbara Matthews; and sister-in-law, Marilyn O'Connor, cousins, nieces and nephews. Denis graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Michael's College, University of Toronto in 1949, pursued studies in Veterinary Medicine, graduating DVM in 1957 from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, and Class President. He felt privileged to care for the health of animals during 50+ years of veterinary practice and farming in the Stouffville area. Together with his brother Terry, they established O'Connor Veterinary Services, a large animal practice where their clients became friends. Like his family, Denis embraced an ethos of service to his profession, faith and community. Denis served on the Ontario Veterinary Association Large Animal Committee, the Ontario Veterinary Council, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) Agricultural Licence Review Board, was member and later Chair of the OMAF Livestock Medicines Act Advisory Committee. He served as appointee and later Vice...