Don O’Connor, 72, passed away on February 15th in his hometown of Orillia, Ontario, after a courageous battle with leukemia. His strength and resilience in the face of such challenges were truly inspiring, and he faced each day with a smile. Despite the hardships, Don remained a hero, holding strong until the very end.
Don’s early years were spent in Low, Quebec, where he grew up on a farm and worked in the family general store. He later found his true calling with the Ontario Provincial Police, where he dedicated more than 30 years of his life to serving others. His passion for policing didn’t end with his retirement; Don continued to serve in various roles, including a UN peacekeeping mission to Haiti with the RCMP, the OPP recruitment unit, and conducting polygraphs and investigations. His love for law enforcement was passed down to his two sons, both of whom followed in his footsteps.
Throughout his career, Don became a legend within the OPP, earning the respect of both uniformed officers and civilian staff. Though his exterior might have seemed tough, those who knew him understood that he had one of the biggest hearts. He cared deeply for others and showed this in everything he did.
While Don’s career in policing was a significant part of his life, his family always came first. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren, frequently expressing his love and support. He could always be found cheering them on at various events—hockey, ringette, soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics, and dance.
Don leaves behind his loving wife of 34 years, Cathy O'Connor, children Matthew O'Connor (Kandice), Sean O'Connor (Sonia), and Shannon O'Connor (Mitch), as well as his predeceased daughter Erin O'Connor. He was also a proud grandfather to Kalleigh, Darcy, Owen, Drew, and another granddaughter on the way. Don will be deeply missed by his many friends, siblings, and extended family.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Maze from Princess Margaret Hospital, Dr. Dimaria and Dr. Sanders, and his favorite nurse, Taylor, from the Barrie RVH Cancer Centre. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sochaniwsky for his unwavering support from the very beginning.
Don will always be remembered for his infectious laughter, his unwavering love for his family, and his sense of humor, which remained intact until his final days. One of his last memorable phrases was, "Let’s get this show on the road."
A celebration of life will be held at Carson Funeral Home on Thursday March 6th, 2025 1-4pm. Located at 54 Coldwater Street East Orillia- 705-326-3595. Sharing of memories will take place at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society and OPP Youth Foundation.