Eldest of 3 sons born to Agnes Clairmonte and Vincent O’Donnell Sr, Vince was the first in his family to pursue higher education. His merit scholarship to Loyola College unlocked the opportunity to study at McGill University, become star of the football team (yes, really!), and graduate with a law degree in 1955.

His year in Europe as a starving graduate student was the poorest he’d ever been, and the richest he ever felt. Romantic springtime in Paris inspired him to marry Liliane, raising 5 kids and one Irish wolfhound in their historic stone house at Préville.

His legal career began with Tansey, de Grandpré & de Grandpré in 1957, where he became one of Canada’s foremost litigation lawyers. For over half a century he contributed to the firm’s growth, helping develop it into the Lavery “pépinière de juges”.

His many professional accolades include: Bâtonnier de Montréal, Médaille du Barreau du Québec, President’s Award of the Canadian Bar Association, Queen’s Counsel, fellowship in several international legal associations, inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award of the Anglophone Section of the Bar of Montreal, and Avocat Émérite.

Vince’s devotion to family and passion for the law earned much admiration and respect. While coaching kid’s sports teams and mentoring young legal minds, he fostered fair play and brilliant strategy, building a legacy of excellence that many protégés proudly carry forward.

He sailed peacefully into the sunset, and will be warmly remembered by his wife Beverley, brother Robbie (Carole), children: Sean (Annie), Graham (Nancy), Jennifer (Chris), Dajan (Lys), grandchildren: Mer, Natasha, Alexandra, Sean, Liam, Alison, and great-grandchildren: Milo and Lucy. Predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Liliane, and their youngest son Gaelan.

Vince’s loved ones invite friends and colleagues to celebrate his life at Saint Patrick’s Basilica at 10:30am on June 13th - his lucky number! Visitation at the Kane Fetterly Funeral home, 5301 Decarie Blvd. (corner Isabella) on Monday, June 12 from 6 to 9 pm.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to honour Vince’s generous spirit, donations to Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation will be appreciated.