Stuart James Connolly passed peacefully on June 2, 2024 surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his loving wife, Elaine Gordon, and survived by his children, Katie (Michael), Joseph (Taflyn), Benjamin (Polli) and Adam (Arina); and his grandchildren Bo, Hugo, Ray, Jean and Emmett.
Born in Montreal on April 9, 1949, to Jean and Joseph Connolly (predeceased), he was the eldest of three children, leaving behind his siblings Jennifer (Ken) and John (Kim), as well as his partner, Susan.
Stuart grew up in Montreal, spending summers at Sydenham, Ont., and Metis Beach, Que., and winters in St. Sauveur, Que., where he excelled at skiing. After attending Selwyn House School, he completed a bachelor of philosophy degree at McGill University. He completed a master of philosophy degree at Fordham University before returning to McGill, where he graduated from medical school in 1977.
Stuart met his wife, Elaine, during cardiology training at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. After a year together they set off to Stanford University for post-doctoral training, then returned to join the faculty at McMaster University. In 1984, they moved to Lowville, Ont., where they would live together for 36 years until Elaine’s passing in 2020.
Stuart had a celebrated career as a cardiologist and researcher. His research impacted millions globally in the field of atrial fibrillation, stroke prevention and anticoagulation.
He remained active in research until the very end of his life and is recognized worldwide as one of the most impactful clinical investigators in cardiac arrhythmia management, cited more than 200,000 times to date. Among his more than 400 publications, Stuart published four of his 26 New England Journal of Medicine papers in his final year. During his 40 years at McMaster, Stuart founded the cardiac arrhythmia service and served as cardiology division director. Stuart mentored many promising clinicians and scientists at McMaster and at other institutions around the world, with great care and dedication, helping them to make meaningful and lasting impacts in their areas of investigation.
Stuart was a spiritual person, having practiced Buddhism for many years and raising his children with Elaine’s Jewish traditions. Stuart had many hobbies and passions including music (especially jazz), bridge, literature, theatre, wine, gardening and travel. In Lowville, he mastered the art of pizza making, produced litres of maple syrup every year, and built acres of stunning gardens.
At the family cottage on Lake of Bays, Stuart enjoyed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, running, cycling, fixing whatever broke, water sports, finishing a Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle, and hosting family and friends. Stuart was a remarkably talented athlete including gymnastics, skiing, snowboarding, biking and running. He qualified twice for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship and placed second in 2022 for his age category.
Stuart was a loving and supportive father to his four children, always available to provide advice and guidance. He was a proud grandfather, taking his eldest grandsons on Kubota rides and nature walks.
During Elaine’s prolonged illness, Stuart gave a true masterclass in love and devotion. After Elaine’s passing in 2020, Stuart met Susan Block. Through their shared love of travel, wine, theatre and spending time with their friends and families, they clicked immediately. In his final days, Susan was at his side day and night.
A special thank you to the doctors and friends who supported him through his battle with neuroendocrine cancer: Dr. Barry Lumb, Dr. Richard Whitlock, Dr. Jeff Healey, Dr. Calvin Law, Dr. James Howe, Dr. Stephen Hadcock, among many others, and his longtime friend and caregiver, Rati Ramratan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumour Society ... or just send flowers. Stuart loved flowers.