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Posted Jan 8, 2025 | 11:55 AM
Following a two-year battle with cancer, our beloved husband, son, brother, father and uncle, Sean, passed peacefully, on January 1st, 2025 in his 55th year. He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer McIlreath (nee Phelan); children: Phelan and James; parents Ian and Susan McIlreath, Sister Melissa (Terry) Wilcox. Sean Alexander McIlreath was born on October 25, 1970, to Ian and Susan McIlreath in Kingston, Ontario. He was the adored little brother of Melissa until he was 12 and towering over her reaching his 6’3” height.
Before his first birthday the family settled in Calgary, Alberta where he grew up, went to school, excelled in sports, enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially the nearby mountains he so dearly loved. He had a very fulfilling career after graduating from medical school at University of Alberta in 1996. Following his Residency in General Surgery at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, he joined the General Surgery Department at Quinte Health. Throughout his 24-year career with Quinte Health, Sean served as Chief of Surgery from 2009- 2016 and took on numerous leadership roles, including representing Quinte Health at the Cancer Care Ontario Regional Table for Surgery and Endoscopy. He also spearheaded the implementation of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery protocols for colorectal surgery. Sean was an Associate Professor at Queens University where he was the education coordinator for the family medicine residents during their surgical rotation in Belleville. Sean was also an Ontario Association of General Surgeons Board Member from 2015-2022. Sean had a deep passion for surgery and was dedicated to mastering and advancing his craft. A true innovator, he embraced minimally invasive techniques early on, pioneering their use at Quinte Health to ensure that advanced care remained accessible within our community. Sean was a generous mentor to the entire surgical department, freely sharing his extensive knowledge with both new and experienced colleagues. His unwavering willingness to guide and support others left an indelible mark on everyone he worked with. Known for his gruff exterior, his nursing colleagues were determined to uncover the warm, mischievous spirit within. When they succeeded, they were met with a heartfelt smile and a twinkle of humour in his eye—a reward cherished by all who had the privilege of working with him.
As a Father Sean was one of the best and taught us to live big, full lives. We bonded at the cottage as it was our family gathering place for competitive games of Yahtzee and Cranium. Our family vacations were always an adventure leaving us with many fond memories to hold in our hearts. Sean’s ability to never lose “the common touch” was what made him the remarkable and special man we love so dearly. His passing leaves an enormous hole in our hearts and he will truly be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be this Friday January 10th, 2025 at Burke Funeral Home in Belleville, 150 Church Street from 4-7pm. The Funeral Service will be held this Saturday, January 11th at 10 am at The Pentecostal Church in Belleville, 490 Dundas St W, Belleville. In lieu of flowers donation in memory of Sean to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences at www.BurkeFuneral.ca.