Few dedicate so much effort towards bettering their community. When someone needed a helping hand, Cecil was among the first that people asked for, likely because he was there for them on such a consistent basis.
His formal efforts were directed towards supporting community sports and community services, Scouting (over 35 years!) and St Joseph’s church. Many credit their ability to skate to Cecil. Never seeking the spotlight, his dedication, kindness and strong work ethic inspired many others to give a little more of themselves.
After 35 years at Cleyn and Tinker, in his retirement, his efforts became more informal, delivering meals to peoples’ homes, driving others to appointments as far away as Montréal, helping various farmers with chores on an almost daily basis, and shoveling neighbors driveways and a multitude of other activities, well into his 80’s.
In his younger years he acted in plays, was an active member of the Grange and Foresters, and even wrote a sports column in the Gleaner.
A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, colleague, and mentor, he will be sorely missed.
He was the son of the late Thomas O’Connor and the late Grace Walsh. Beloved husband of Lydia. He leaves to mourn his children Eric (Rodah), Marcia (Rob), Donna, Shawn (Julie), Paul (Linda) and Dale (Sonia); his grandchildren Mckenzie, Abigail, Lucas, Kayla, Kristen, Rianne, Benjamin, Justin, Thomas, Melissa, Grace and Isabelle; many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Predeceased by his brothers Emmett (Angie), Vincent (late Doreen), Ansel (Jeanne) and his sisters Eileen (late George), Rita (late Gerry) and Marjorie (late Bruce).
Family will receive condolences at the Saint-Joseph Church, Huntingdon on Friday August 26, 2022 from 11:30am followed by the funeral at 1:00pm. Burial at St-Joseph Cemetery at a later date. Donations can be made to the Ladies’ Auxillary of the Huntingdon County Hospital, 198, Châteauguay street, Huntingdon.