Obituary

Michael O’Neil Fidler, MD, passed away on December 15, 2024, from complications of a malignant brain tumor. He was 76 years old.

Dr. Fidler was born in Parkersburg, WV, on November 27, 1948, the first son of Danny O’Neil and Patricia Merryman Fidler. He attended Parkersburg High School, Class of ’66, where he was a proud first chair trumpeter in the Big Red Band. He attended West Virginia University, graduating with High Honors in pre-medicine in 1970, and then attended medical school at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1974. He did a surgery internship at Ohio State University and then a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Minnesota, finishing with a hand surgery fellowship there in 1980. Finally, he completed a hand surgery fellowship in New Orleans in 1980.

Dr. Fidler returned to his home state in 1980, recruited to Charleston by Dr. Richard Sibley. Thus began a career of more than 30 years on the orthopaedic staff of Charleston Area Medical Center. For many of those years, he served as consultant to the Handicapped Children’s Clinics, evaluating and treating children’s orthopaedic problems and performing surgical procedures including spinal reconstructions. The latter 15 of those years was shared with his fine partners at Bone and Joint Surgeons, Inc. He was known by his colleagues to be the calmest person in the room—NOT!!

He was respected for his knowledge, his practical judgment, and his genuine concern for his patients. In 2010, Dr. Fidler was recruited by a colleague to join the medical staff of the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center, where he enjoyed a final five years of practice before retiring in 2015.

He took on leadership roles readily, whether they be as chair of the orthopaedic department or of the Credentials Committee at Charleston Area Medica Center or being elected by his peers to a medical staff executive officer position. He led the project to develop an electronic record system for his group. He worked alongside a group of physician leaders to incorporate a physician network.

Dr. Fidler was also active in community organizations. He took a leadership role in fund-raising from the medical and dental communities in the founding of the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston. At time of his death, he was a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the Clay Center in Charleston, and was chair of its Medical Society. He also served on the board of the Faculty Merit Foundation. He was an active member of the Charleston Rotary Club. He participated in fund raising for the Boy Scouts, the YMCA Spirit of the Valley, and the Clay Center, among others.

Together with his wife, Bonnie, the couple visited virtually every corner of the world in their travels. Their favorite destination was the continent of Africa, where they visited nine countries in several trips. And, they shared an abiding love for Canaan Valley, WV, and their home there. The whole family shared in camping and hiking trips, travel to places like Mexico, England, Egypt, and Bermuda, annual trips to the North Carolina beaches, as well as a memorable “National Lampoon Vacation” out West. Dr. Fidler participated with both his boys in the Indian Guides, where he became the Nation Chief. And of course, Bonnie and he attended the boys’ band and athletic activities. Every autumn included afternoons at Mountaineer Field.

Dr. Fidler leaves the love of his life, his soulmate and best friend, his beloved wife of 41 years, Bonnie. Two sons, deeply loved and of whom he is intensely proud, survive him: Matthew (Sharry) and grandchildren Lily and Cole, Richmond, VA; and Patrick (Kristy) and grandson Ben, Charleston, WV. He also leaves three younger brothers, David (Jenny) of Mineral, VA, Tim (Susie) of Hilton Head, SC, and Mark (Jennifer) of Cleveland, TN, and nephew Jonathan and niece Katherine Fidler of Atlanta, GA. The brothers’ first cousin, Steve Wilson of Gualala, CA, was very close to Mike’s parents and lent steadfast support through his final illness.

No formal service is planned. There will be a gathering of family and close friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Fidler’s name to the Clay Center of West Virginia, Charleston, WV, would be appreciated: theclaycenter.org/donate .

Condolences may be sent to Dr. Fidler’s family at www.barlowbonsall.com .

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.