Obituary for Kevin Cornelius O'Leary
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On a sunny Sunday morning, October 8, 2023, in the presence of his beloved family, Kevin Cornelius O’Leary, a son of Cork, Ireland, passed away at the age of 60, at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. So ended a nearly 20-year battle, bravely fought, against primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Left to cherish his memory are, his wife of 32 years, Jen (Heywood), and his two beautiful daughters, Jessie Lynne and Jordan Eileen. He is also survived by his sister Jackie, brothers Terry (Sarah), John (Liz), sister-in-law Leslie (Mike), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and worldwide friends.
He joins his mom Eileen, dad Jacko, mother-in-law Lynnie, buddy Gord, and many special aunts and uncles.
Kevin lost his heart to Jen at the Cork Jazz Festival in 1989 and was left with no choice but to follow her to Canada. Still, his thoughts often turned to Ireland and the dear friends and family he had left behind. He and Jen as well as the girls, were fortunate to return many times in the years that followed.
Kevin quickly found his people in Winnipeg, first at the Irish Club, and then on the soccer pitch with his Barbarians. He left the game of hockey as he found it - but he tried! An elite-level footballer in England (and lifelong Leicester supporter, which is its own burden) he was perhaps the most over-qualified 4-5 year old soccer coach Windsor Community Club ever had.
Despite his best efforts, Kevin’s illness eventually led him to give up his career at Occupational Rehab Group of Canada to begin a new career as stay-at-home dad. Jessie and Jordan were his pride and joy, and he was a doting, devoted and occasionally exasperating father to his last breath.
Neighbours in Elm Park will long remember Kevin on his scooter, patrolling the ‘hood’ with his faithful dog, Tommy, riding at his feet. Others will remember him as the smartest ass they ever met. His Irish charm not only won over Jen, but it also somehow prevented anyone from ever taking offence to whatever hilariously offensive thing he’d just said. He loved the Sunday papers, a good “craic”, a pint with friends, and a smoke by the fire.
Kevin and Jen appreciated the continued support of friends and family as his disease continued its relentless attack. They are also very grateful for the care he received from a succession of home care workers and, later, from the excellent staff at Riverview; especially all the gang on 3 West. In the middle of a health care system that sometimes seems very broken, it became a second home.
In keeping with Kevin’s wishes, a service will be held at the St. John Brebeuf Church at 1707 John Brebeuf Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba; on Friday, October 20 at 6:00 pm. Please join Jen, Jessie and Jordan for a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kevin’s memory, to the Riverview Health Center.
.
On a sunny Sunday morning, October 8, 2023, in the presence of his beloved family, Kevin Cornelius O’Leary, a son of Cork, Ireland, passed away at the age of 60, at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. So ended a nearly 20-year battle, bravely fought, against primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Left to cherish his memory are, his wife of 32 years, Jen (Heywood), and his two beautiful daughters, Jessie Lynne and Jordan Eileen. He is also survived by his sister Jackie, brothers Terry (Sarah), John (Liz), sister-in-law Leslie (Mike), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and worldwide friends.
He joins his mom Eileen, dad Jacko, mother-in-law Lynnie, buddy Gord, and many special aunts and uncles.
Kevin lost his heart to Jen at the Cork Jazz Festival in 1989 and was left with no choice but to follow her to Canada. Still, his thoughts often turned to Ireland and the dear friends and family he had left behind. He and Jen as well as the girls, were fortunate to return many times in the years that followed.
Kevin quickly found his people in Winnipeg, first at the Irish Club, and then on the soccer pitch with his Barbarians. He left the game of hockey as he found it - but he tried! An elite-level footballer in England (and lifelong Leicester supporter, which is its own burden) he was perhaps the most over-qualified 4-5 year old soccer coach Windsor Community Club ever had.
Despite his best efforts, Kevin’s illness eventually led him to give up his career at Occupational Rehab Group of Canada to begin a new career as stay-at-home dad. Jessie and Jordan were his pride and joy, and he was a doting, devoted and occasionally exasperating father to his last breath.
Neighbours in Elm Park will long remember Kevin on his scooter, patrolling the ‘hood’ with his faithful dog, Tommy, riding at his feet. Others will remember him as the smartest ass they ever met. His Irish charm not only won over Jen, but it also somehow prevented anyone from ever taking offence to whatever hilariously offensive thing he’d just said. He loved the Sunday papers, a good “craic”, a pint with friends, and a smoke by the fire.
Kevin and Jen appreciated the continued support of friends and family as his disease continued its relentless attack. They are also very grateful for the care he received from a succession of home care workers and, later, from the excellent staff at Riverview; especially all the gang on 3 West. In the middle of a health care system that sometimes seems very broken, it became a second home.
In keeping with Kevin’s wishes, a service will be held at the St. John Brebeuf Church at 1707 John Brebeuf Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba; on Friday, October 20 at 6:00 pm. Please join Jen, Jessie and Jordan for a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kevin’s memory, to the Riverview Health Center.
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