Obituary of Reyer Gerardus Maria Barel

Barel, Dr. Reyer Gerardus Maria It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Reyer G. Barel, MD, on Thursday May 14th, 2020 at the age of 87. He died peacefully at LHSC University Hospital in London, Ontario with family at his side. Reyer was a loving husband to Connie Barel (van Gastel), father to Adriana and Reyer (Robert) Barel, and grandfather to Chanelle, Ranique, Kelty, Reyer, and Luke. Reyer was born April 21, 1933 and raised in Bussum, the Netherlands. Predeceased by his parents Paulus Barel and Theresa van Baar, his brothers Kees, Clemens, Paul and his sister Elisabeth, he is survived by Jacques and Anthonia. He will also be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews in Canada and the Netherlands. After high school he served two years in the Royal Netherlands Army and then went to the University of Amsterdam to study medicine. When he finished his studies, he had a two year internship in Rotterdam. He also practiced in Friesland before immigrating to Canada in 1967 with his wife Connie Barel. He devoted his life to his Family Medicine Practice in London, Ontario. During his career as a doctor he served in numerous capacities, supporting family medicine, which included obstetrics and elder care. He enjoyed attending St. George’s Roman Catholic Parish and his relationship with God was always one he cherished. He will be forever remembered for his spirit of kindness, cheerful personality and generosity. A small service occurred on Saturday May 16th, 2020, at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, followed by his burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery. A special thank you to Fr. John Jasica of St. George’s Parish for your presence and blessings during the ceremony. Sadly, with the current pandemic, the service for the Celebration of Life is postponed. The date and time of this service will be announced in the future, once restrictions are lifted. A gracious thank you to the doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at LHSC University Hospital, who treated Dr. Barel with compassion in his final days.