John “Jackie” O’Connor
John James “Jackie” O’Connor passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, in hospital in Owen Sound, in his 88th year. In his final moments he was surrounded by love, listening to his favourite songs with his niece Amy and his sons Victor, Derek, and Rod, holding his late son Adrian closely in his heart.
Born in Kesh, County Fermanagh, Ireland, John was the son of Francis and Sarah O’Connor. Dear brother of Kathleen O’Connor Bonini, May O’Connor, and Margaret Paterson; predeceased by his brothers Michael, Patrick, Denis, and Desmond.
Beloved father of Victor and his wife, Katherine Legros; Derek and his wife, Cheryl; Rod and his partner, Alanna; and the late Adrian, whose wife, Iseult Coffey, survives him. Proud grandfather of Rory Angus (and great-grandfather of Rory’s son, Odin), Gabrielle, Felix, Lola, and Jenny. He is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews: Kevin, Dorothy, Karyn, Alyson, Denise, George, Frank, Scott, James, Allison, Jackie, Linda, Mark, Marie, Martin, Leigh Ann, Nicole, Deborah, and Gary.
A brilliant engineer with a mechanical curiosity that never dimmed, John travelled the world as a Chief Petty Officer in the British Royal Navy. He married his first love, Christina (née Dunn), in Glasgow, where their sons Victor, Derek, and Rod were born. In the early 1970s he followed his brother Michael to Canada to seek new opportunities; there, his son Adrian was born. If your lights are on in Ontario, John likely had a hand in it—he helped construct the province’s nuclear power plants and took great pride in his work. He has now laid down his working tools.
John was predeceased just days earlier by the love of his life of 40 years, Heather O’Connor, without whom he could not bear to live. A proud member of the Masonic Lodge, he formed lifelong friendships and served his community with quiet loyalty and good humour.
Sunset and evening star—he has crossed the bar. Your watch is ended, Chief; stand easy.
Raise a glass tonight and think of John. His family will remember him for his ingenuity, his strong will, his steadfast love, and the music that carried him home.
Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, greybrucecremation.com.