Obituary of Regis Andrew O'Connor

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Regis O’Connor in his 86^th year.  Dad passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Regis is now reunited with his beautiful, devoted wife, Joanne who he shared 57 wonderful years with, and a cherished father to Frank O’Connor (Gail), Edie Anderson (Kevin), Laurie O’Connor (Kurt), and John O’Connor (Lisa). Regis, known as "Papa Rege," was a loving grandfather to Joshua (Felicia), Daniela (Bryan), Jasmine (Giancarlo), Adam, Jamie (Dani), Emily (Brady), Taylor, Jakob (Joleen), Mackenzie (Bobby), Caitlin, Liam (Avery), and Megan (Brad), and an adoring great-grandfather to Farrah, Rhyan, Roman, Violet, Theo, Matteo and Lola. Regis was the son of the late Al and Rosemary O’Connor, and a beloved brother to the late Rosemary O’Connor (late Jim Frazer), Sharon O’Connor (Ron Watters), Tom O’Connor (Elizabeth Meakes), John O’Connor (late Diane), late Pat O’Connor (late Andrea), Kathleen O’Connor (Doug Holmes), and Dan O’Connor (Cheryl). He was loved by his sister-in-law Roxieann Lloyd (late Dave)(Rick), brother-in-law Tom Belsito (Cathy), and sister-in-law late Maxine Belanger (Phil).  He was also loved dearly by his many nieces, nephews, and extended family across North America.

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Regis had a love for adventure and spent much of his life exploring the great outdoors. His happiest moments were spent on long road trips across Canada with Joanne and their children, towing a trailer behind their trusted station wagon or Ford Econoline van. Together, they created countless memories travelling Canada from coast to coast.  Dad also loved to sail the North Channel and Lake Superior.  His sailing adventures provided countless stories and harrowing tales of exploits on the high seas.

Regis had a long and rewarding career as a teacher where he applied his intellect, creativity, and dedication to his work, and to the students he loved. He was active in his community and gave his gifts selflessly to others in need. He was a man of deep faith, active in his parish life at St. Gerard Majella Parish, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Regis' kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering moral compass served as an inspiration to all who knew him. Many lost and lonely individuals found a comforting place at our father’s dinner table.

Regis was the founding chair of the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board in 1998 and served as its chair for six years. He was President of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association, Vice-President of the Ontario Separate School Trustees' Association and a school Trustee for the Sault Ste. Marie Roman Catholic Separate School Board prior to 1998. He devoted much of his life to Catholic education in Ontario.

A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Regis will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His gentle spirit, compassionate nature, and warm smile will be remembered forever in the hearts of those he touched.

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate the life of Regis at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Precious Blood Cathedral on Saturday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Hamish Currie officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Regis' memory to the F.J. Davey Home or the SAH Renal Dialysis Care Fund.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses, PSWs and many caregivers at the F.J. Davey Home who provided compassionate care and support to Regis throughout his final year and days.  A special thank you to the many doctors, nurses and staff of the SAH for their continuous care and support of dad over the years.

God bless you Dad.  Don’t forget to give Mom a big hug and kiss from all of us.