O’Connor, Corey
O’Connor, Corey James
April 29, 1994 – February 26, 2026It is with immense sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Corey James O’Connor on February 26, 2026.
Corey is lovingly remembered by his parents Sandy Halloran and Tim O’Connor, his brother Sean, his grandmother Margaret O’Connor, his aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
Corey was a free spirit who lit up a room with his “Corey smile” and his desire to joyfully bring people together. His intuitive ability to sense other’s feelings, his generosity and spontaneity made it easy for people to love him and see the good in him.
He was a compassionate and empathetic soul with a strong sense of social justice that shone through in his concern for people’s troubles, the environment and in his efforts to de-escalate and resolve disputes.
Corey was a wandering spirit who loved natural, rugged spaces; Corey gave back to the Earth during three seasons of tree planting in Northern Ontario, he loved fishing—he always caught the most and the biggest—and he felt most at home in the mountains, forests, on a beach or a golf course.
Blessed with many natural gifts, he expressed his sense of freedom in hockey, soccer, snowboarding, and golf. Charmingly uninhibited and creative, Corey was a masterful guitar player with a strong, vibrant voice that lifted hearts and brought people together during singalongs and shows. His strong connection to his spirit fed his evocative songwriting.
Corey was born in Brantford and came home to us in Toronto. We moved to Rockwood, a wonderful village where our boys grew up with many friends and the Rockwood Conservation Area was just down the street. Corey attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and St. James and John F. Ross high schools, all in Guelph.
He ventured to St. Lawrence College in Kingston, rooming with his best friends. After obtaining a hospitality diploma, he tried other things, including improv, acting and home renovations.
His spirit of adventure took him on a solo trip to Australia, which was cut short after a few months by COVID. After one last season of tree-planting in Ontario, Corey settled on Lasqueti Island off the B.C. coast where he stayed during COVID, eventually returning to us in Guelph in late 2023 until his passing.
It’s our hope that Corey finds the peace and freedom that he’s been seeking.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Parish at 175 Emma Street in Guelph. A Celebration of Life will be held that evening in the Holy Rosary Parish Hall from 5-7 p.m. We will begin sharing our memories of Corey at 5:30.
The Celebration of Life will be recorded and made available for viewing for those who cannot participate.
All are welcome as we remember, bless and honour Corey.
The date of Internment is to be determined. Charitable donations can be made to any charity that supports Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or young men’s mental health or both.
