Dr John Veale, class '62

The Union was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr John Veale (class '62), brother of Michael (class '55).

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Dr. John Laurence Veale, on Saturday, March 20th, 2021 at 6:30pm due to heart issues. He had many friends from around the world that shared in his love for the outdoors and travel. We know that we have not met all of you, but we also know that you brought him joy and happiness, and for that we thank you.

John was born in Cavan, Ireland on February 15th, 1944 from his father Michael Veale of Waterford City, Ireland and his mother Kathleen Kiely of Stradbally, County Waterford, Ireland. He is survived by his brother Michael and sister Anne, his three children Tony, Jennifer and Joe, his spouse Ermy and 7 grandchildren Amelia, Cameron, William, Elise, Joel, Molly and Owen. John attended medical school at University College Dublin, graduated with honours in 1968, received his fellowship in Pediatrics in 1973, and dedicated the rest of his life to the health and well being of children in Canada. He was Chief of Pediatrics at the Laurentian Hospital and the President of the Sudbury District Medical Society. He spent decades serving the Durham community outside of Toronto at both the local hospitals and a clinic. He had retired from medicine only a few months ago.

John, affectionately known to us as “Junior”, had an incredible life. He travelled the world and saw and experienced so much. He had been to South America to see the glaciers, he had kayaked with whales, hiked through the desert in Arizona, and camped throughout Africa. He ran marathons, biked all over the United States and canoed many river systems in Northern Canada. He enjoyed his winters in the snow with cross country and downhill skiing. He had a love for dogs, he always had one close by and cared for them over the years.

John raised us on a hobby farm, outside of a little town called Claremont in Ontario, Canada. He purchased it back in 1984 and called it home for 37 years. He spent his last night at the farm with Jen, Joe, and Tony. We can all take comfort in knowing that is what he would have wanted, to be at the farm with his kids. During his last days in the hospital, we were with him and told him not to worry, that we were all ok and for him to just relax.

We, like all of you reading this, will miss John greatly. Dad, we will always remember your kind words, hard work and the love and unwavering support you gave to our family.

We love you Dad.

Requiescat in Pace

https://www.catholic-cemeteries.ca/obituary/dr-john-laurence-veale/