David Charles ONLEY

DAVID CHARLES ONLEY It is with profound sadness, but with rejoicing hope, that the family of David Charles Onley, C.M., O.Ont, announce his sudden passing at Sunnybrook Hospital on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the age of 72. After a brief illness, David passed peacefully surrounded by his wife, Ruth Ann and three sons, and entered his Eternal Home to meet his Lord and Saviour. David is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Ann, and will be remembered by their three sons, Jonathan (Andrea), Robert (Natasha), and Michael (Stephanie); their grandchildren - Isabelle, Isaac, Charles, Harrison, Claire and Maxwell; and by his siblings, Elaine (Allan), Richard (Sallie), Elizabeth (Jim) and Gordon (Tracy). David was predeceased by his dear granddaughter, Sarah, and parents, Gwen and Charles. Born in Midland, Ontario, David contracted polio at the age of 3, resulting in partial paralysis of his limbs, and years of childhood surgeries. David's family moved to Scarborough in order to find the necessary expert medical care required to treat his battle with polio. Using leg braces and a cane, David studied political science at the University of Toronto Scarborough (B.A., 1975), choosing the campus because it was accessible. At UTSC, he served as student council president and started the first campus radio station. David met his future wife, Ruth Ann, at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto, marrying in 1982. Throughout his life, David met each obstacle and barrier with courage and determination. Ruth Ann was by his side at every step, supporting, encouraging, and bearing his weight when he could no longer. Whether attending his boys' hockey and baseball games, travelling, or going to the CNE, the life he and Ruth Ann built together for their family was a testament to their faith in God and love for one another in spite of all challenges. David's career began with many closed doors, as businesses were wary of hiring someone with a physical disability. Never one to give up, he forged his own path with the writing of his book, Shuttle: A Shattering Novel of Disaster in Space, in 1981, launching David into a 25 year career in radio and television. In 2007, David was appointed as the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, serving as the Queen's representative until 2014, and was the first with a visible disability. He established accessibility as the overarching theme of his mandate, which he defined as "that which enables people to achieve their full potential." In 2019, he led the Ontario government's review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), making strong recommendations towards an accessible Ontario. In 2014, David joined the University of Toronto Scarborough as a Senior Lecturer, teaching the history of the Vice Regal Office and the politics of disability. He found much joy in seeing the inclusivity and social consciousness of the young adults he taught, and continued teaching and advocating until his death. An avid lover of technology and with an endlessly curious mind, David was thrilled with the introduction of the smartphone. He was always quick to look up a new fact, share an article, and delve into a topic he found interesting, especially if it related to his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs or the Avro Arrow. Where his body had limitations, his mind soared, further reflected in the motto on his official coat of arms, Per Ardua Ad Alta, which translates, "Through Adversity to the Heights." David's quick wit, dry sense of humour, and deep faith in God will be missed by his family and friends. In his last hours, he held fast to his faith, joyfully cried out Amen, and knew he was going home to be with Jesus. David will lie in state at Queen's Park for public visitation on Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29, 2023, times to be announced. A state funeral will be held at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church ,1585 Yonge Street, Toronto, at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023. Limited public space available - details to follow. David's memorial can be found at http://morleybedford.ca/ where condolences can be made and live stream details found. Donations in David's honour may be made online at: engage.utoronto.ca/DavidOnley and https://www.armsofjesus.org/. Psalm 32:8 "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."