Dr. Earle Byrnes Shouldice

On Friday, April 15, 2022, our beloved father, Dr. Earle Byrnes Shouldice, MD (known to his family and friends as Byrnes), passed away peacefully with family at his side. In the weeks preceding his death, he was supported by the warmth of all who worked with him, and surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Byrnes was the son of Dr. Edward Earle Shouldice, MD and Hilda Marie (nee Byrnes), and devoted husband to his beloved bride of 66 years, Catherine Louise, who predeceased him in July of 2018. He was brother to his only sibling, Germaine Urquhart, also predeceased. He is survived by his children Shelley, Glynn (Candice), Jamie, and Cameron (Michelle); much loved grandchildren Michael (Lia), Richard (Emma), Tori (Brendan), Kyra (Devin), Diane (Josh), Kita, Nicole (Tyler), Ainslie, William, Matthew, and Caitlin; great grandsons Marcus, and Luke (aka lil Byrnie).

Born and raised in Toronto, he graduated from University of Western Ontario Medical School in 1961. He remembered his years in London with Catherine and their young children with great fondness and created lifelong friendships with his classmates there.

Having received an opportunity from his father, Byrnes guided the evolution of his father’s medical practice, Shouldice Hospital, into a world-renowned abdominal hernia centre of excellence. He was dedicated to delivering the highest standard of patient care to tens of thousands, with unwavering focus on the patient experience, creating a holistic healing method referred to as the ‘Shouldice Experience’. He never believed that success was achieved by one person alone and spoke about the importance of all who contributed. Byrnes was a member of the Canadian, American and International Hernia Societies and as such, hosted national and international symposia, lectured and published widely.

Byrnes was blessed with 11 grandchildren, and each one had a special place in his heart. He developed relationships with each, remembering details of their lives, challenging them when they needed it, and teasing them with that ever-present smile and twinkle in his eye. He was always up for a party and loved to be surrounded by people, whether a family gathering, an annual golf tournament with friends and family, a beer after curling, or Friday nights with Catherine and close friends. He was inquisitive and curious and loved making connections with all he met. He was a popular figure across many generations.

Byrnes had a passion for golf and enjoyed playing many a round with his family and friends, either at Rosedale Golf Club or The Briars Golf Club. On the ice, he was an excellent and very respected curler, and we frequently heard stories of the hijinks he participated in at the Quebec International Bonspiel for over 50 years. He was especially proud when his family became the first family at The Granite to have three generations playing on the curling team at the same time.

While Catherine was our rock, Byrnes was the glue. He will be deeply missed by his family and all those who worked with him over the years, at Shouldice Hospital. He had a big presence and touched many people’s lives. We were privileged to know and love him.

We are grateful to Shohreh and Johnny for their dedication, caring and kindness. Thank you to Kaye Cohn, RN and Dr. Jack Sandler for their professional commitment and care of our father. Special mention to Richard, Gurpreet and the whole team.

Visitation will be held at Kane Jerrett Funeral Home, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill, Wednesday April 20th 3-7pm and Thursday April 21st 5-8pm. A private family graveside service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu in flowers, donations may be made in support of the Meds Class of 1961 Bursary at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry: attention Kendra Lealess, Western University, Westminster Hall, Suite 110, 1151 Richmond St. London, ON N6A 3K7 (cheques payable to Western University), or by calling 519-661-4200, or online by visiting www.westernconnect.ca/donateWestern.html, and typing Meds 61 in “Other” field. Condolences may be left at www.kanejerrett-thornill.ca.