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Dr. Timothy O’Lenic (Dr. Wonderful), 57, a longtime resident of Davidson, North Carolina, left this earth on May 22, 2019, after a short illness and very brief stay at Presbyterian Hospital and Harris Hospice in Charlotte. During his illness, he was cared for and supported by an exceptional circle of family and friends, a true reflection on his own life.
Tim was born on January 21, 1962 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to William Donald O’Lenic and Dorothy Sue Labash O’Lenic. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda O’Lenic Wilson.
Tim is survived by his loving partner of 15 years and wife of one day, Yvette Renee Harrold;
daughter, Leyla O’Lenic; brothers, William O’Lenic and Thomas O’Lenic; nephews, Bryan O’Lenic,
Austin O’Lenic, Danny O’Lenic, and Wade Hantz; nieces, Amanda O’Lenic, Lindsay O’Lenic and
Whitney Hantz; sisters-in-law, Chris Anne O’Lenic and Jackie Hantz; brothers-in-law, Rick Wilson
and Wes Hantz; mother-in-law, Sharon Harrold; ex-wife and friend, Monica Collins; and Russian
Bear Dog, his loving furry companion, Hank.
Tim received a degree in Chemistry with highest honor, summa cum laude, and a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) from the University of South Florida. He later completed his residency at Tampa General Hospital as an ICU Intensivist and Anesthesiologist. He began practicing as an Anesthesiologist at Tanner Medical Center in Carrolton, Georgia, and spent the last 18 years of his career with Lake Norman Anesthesia in Mooresville, North Carolina, where he particularly enjoyed Pediatric Anesthesia. He retired in April 2018.
Tim was generous, kind-hearted, creative and brilliant. He was a strong advocate for protecting our planet, for fairness, and for equality. As an Anesthesiologist and critical care physician, Tim impacted lives every day and was part of bringing thousands of babies into the world. He provided comfort to those who were ill and empathy to those who were dying. He made two medical mission trips to Zambia at his own expense, taking his own equipment and piecing together medical devices on the spot to perform procedures and provide relief to those who had no other medical options available to them.
Tim was known to all as a true renaissance man. He also cared for others through his love of food. Nothing gave him more pleasure than cooking a meal for someone or teaching them how to do it themselves. He published a cookbook in 2015, Breakfast at Timothy’s. His most recent accomplishment was to pass the financial exams to begin a financial advisory practice. Tim loved to explore the world, and spending time in the mountains hiking or on the golf course. He was an expert at gardening, totem pole carving, bonsai tree growing, and house remodeling. He was also a wannabe ukulele and guitar player and followed many other creative and intellectual pursuits. Tim had a mind that never stopped thinking and a heart that never stopped giving.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 22, 2019 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Historic Beaver Dam in Davidson, NC (19600 Davidson-Concord Rd., Davidson, NC 28036). The Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 AM under the tent with seating and the family will receive friends following the service. Bottled water will be available before and after the service and guests are asked to dress comfortably and informally and wear blue, Tim’s favorite color. Note cards will be provided to write a memory on or you may bring one already written to leave with the family. A second Celebration of Life will be held in July in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as well.
Paula Dobler says
We are shocked and saddened by your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you Yvette, Paula and Patrick
Diane says
I remember Tim fondly and am so saddened to hear. My thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
Diane Smith Schultz says
I remember Tim fondly and am so saddened to hear. My thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
Laura says
So very saddened by this news, thoughts and prayers to the entire O’Lenic family and all who loved Tim. ♥️
Sue Minick says
My condolences to the O’Lenic family. Farewell TJ Alumn.
Sue Minick Heagy
Art says
I’m in total shock the world has lost an exceptional human being.
Stan Phillips says
Valerie and I will miss you tremendously, and always remember that wonderfully positive attitude , and amazing food!
Joyce says
What an amazing life this man led and touched so many lives . He will be missed by many .My sincere condolences to his remaining family and friends.
Bill Angotti says
My deepest sympathy to the entire O’Lenic family . What a tribute. So many accomplishments in just a short life . He truly will be missed
Susan Shogan says
What a lifetime learner, the world needs more of Tim’s influence for surely he is gone too soon. Prayers for his family and virtual hugs for the class of ’79..Green grass and high tides forever
Kathy Knutson says
So many fond memories of a “wonderful” doctor and man. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Yvette and his family.
Chris Ashley says
I have many great memories of Tim. I can’t believe he is gone. What makes me sad is I thought we would have so many more great times in the future. He was such a fun loving guy with an amazing attitude and so full of life. We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts go out to the O’Lenics. So sorry.
Layne says
My heart has been saddened by a death that was way too early. My deepest sympathy for his loving family and friends. You will be missed.
Jackie and Paul says
Paul and I were shocked to hear of Tim’s passing! We so appreciated his intelligence, he could always figure out the next best step! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends that will be missing him!
The Angotti Family says
We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire O’Lenic family. Tim gave the world a constant smile, and was an example of all that is good in the world. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and all the lives he touched throughout his career. Our thoughts and prayers…..
Tony & Teresa Angotti and family
Tammy Roles says
Such a sad loss. Dr. O’Lenic was always smiling and sweet.
Lois Summey says
I am broken hearted to hear of the loss of this “Wonderful” man – he truly earned that name. Shortly after moving to NC, I started working at LNRMC and met Tim. My husband & I didn’t know anyone when Tim invited us to a dinner party at his house and graciously made us feel welcome. I had worked with him in the OR for several years when I became the patient. During those surgeries, he took the best care of me and always took time to talk with my husband. He truly was one of a kind and I am so fortunate to have met & worked with him. My deepest sympathy to Yvette and his family.
This world has lost a beautiful soul.
Maura Murphy says
Dear Tommy, Bill and all of the O’Lenic Family,
I am a long lost friend of Tim’s from USF and stupefied by this awful news. Tim was always a remarkable man and incredibly accomplished. We shared so many wonderful times, studying, cooking, eating, and laughing!!
Thinking of you all and keeping you close at heart and in my prayers.
RIP Dear Tim!
Maura Murphy
joni says
so heartbroken by the news, Tim will always be in my heart. my thoughts and prayers to Tommy and Bill.
David F. says
Tim was like a ray of sunshine,always friendly with a warm hearted smile…He never said a bad word about anybody,and was always eager to help those in need…I will miss you brother,rock on!
Laura Skinner says
I only met Tim a few times but his amazing kind spirit always shone through his infectious smile. Such creativity, love and generosity— I was happy to read about his life. Sending love and light to all who love and are missing Tim.
Karen Shaffer-Platt says
I grew up on the same street as the O’Lenic family in Pleasant Hills. I went to school with Linda at both St. Elizabeth and TJ. I remember her brothers and parents very well. I think Mrs. O’Lenic was related to Stan Musial.
I recently bought a home in Huntersville but have fallen in love with Davidson and spend much time there. I am so sad to hear about Tim. My prayers are with his family.
Paul Richter says
I too, am so sad to hear that Tim has passed away. I grew up down the street from Tim and really enjoyed our time together. He was always smiling had a great laugh and was kind to everyone. To the entire family I extend my most sincere condolences and hope you find comfort in Tim’s exceptional example of a life well lived.
David Hipp says
I knew Tim all to briefly. But, what I knew was a kind and caring person. May he rest and peace and our memory of him be long. Thank you Tim for being all to brief part of my life.