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5 years 8 months
Submitted by justine on Wed, 04/17/2024 - 01:25:PM

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the tragic passing of MWO Christopher Patrick O'Leary - Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM).  His life was cut too short, at the age of 45, on Thursday, April 11th, 2024, at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

MWO Christopher O'Leary dedicated his entire career & passion for life to the military; enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy in 2001, Nova Scotia; crossing over to the Canadian Army in 2011. In 2023 a dream came true for Christopher, becoming a member of CANSOFCOM.

Christopher exuded this same passion & loyalty to the "Love of his Life", Lindsay for almost 6 beautiful, adventurous years together.

Christopher leaves behind his wife, Lindsay and their two fur-babies Beanie and Freddie; his Grandfather Clarence William Thornhill, Father (George) Patrick O'Leary, Mother Sharon O'Leary, Sister Andrea O'Leary and many relatives in the O'Leary/Thornhill extended family; In-laws - the Fry Family, relatives and extended family; the Tantalo Family and many, many friends and family in his Military Community.

A Military Funeral Service & Send-Off to honour MWO Christopher O'Leary will be held Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at Beechwood National Memorial Centre, Ottawa, Ontario.

1130     Visitation within the Hall of Colours 

1300     Funeral Service

1400     Reception

For those not able to attend Christopher's Service in person, you may register for the Live-Streaming Services here

A private family interment will follow May 2nd within the National Military Cemetery located within Beechwood Cemetery.

The Family wishes to thank the CICU Teams of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for the exemplary care & compassion provided to Christopher & Lindsay.  Their professionalism was above & beyond; but their devotion to Christopher & Lindsay will never be forgotten.

In addition, special thanks to Christopher's military family and team at CANSOFCOM.  Their professionalism, love, and support throughout this trying time can never be replaced. 

In lieu of flowers, the Family would prefer donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or CANSOFCOM V42

 

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/23/2024 - 08:21:AM

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Chuck Darrow

My deepest condolences.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/23/2024 - 08:47:AM

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Keith Bown

Chris,
You will never be forgotten and will always hold a spot in our hearts forever. You were known throughout the cook occupation as that go getter, putting 110% in everything you did. Your dedication to the CAF was outstanding and you left a positive impression with everyone who knew you.

Lindsay,
There are no words to say, I am so sorry for your loss. But know that Chris was well respected within the occupation and did everything he could to improve it. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/23/2024 - 10:40:PM

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Matthew Keddy

Rest in Peace brother. You were a legend in your own right and a true custodian of the Cooks trade. Your love for the job and compassion for others was second to none. I will cherish our ups and downs during our time together with 2 PPCLI. Our Nova Scotia connection helped us bond as the two new guys to the Army, lol. Condolences to Lindsay and Chris’s family and friends.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/23/2024 - 11:07:PM

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J

I played Rugby with Chris in High School, and spent time with him after high school for a bit. Then careers sent us all in different directions.

Chris was a passionate person in all aspects of his life. When I reflect on our youth, he was true to himself and didn't waver even as a young man. He had that intense stare and was always focused, he was a character, and a good person to all that knew him.

I give my sincere condolences to his family as his loss is unimaginable, and I can't imagine the pain all of them are going through.

All I can say is that I believe he lived life to the fullest and his life will be remembered by many people in a very good way.

Farewell Chris, we are all shedding a tear at this time.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/24/2024 - 02:14:PM

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Steve Ellis

Chris and I go back 20+ years, it was only when he came to Petawawa that we actually got to work in the same space again, and just last year having the pleasure of occupying the same building, car pooling to the same meetings, and regularly having coffee to discuss similar work issues. I will miss this, I will miss Chris, it’s with a heavy heart that I pass on my condolences to his wife and family. A loss like this hits hard, very hard. Chris was a power to be reckoned with, he brought passion to every project, humor at the best times and wealth of knowledge to the trade and people that had the pleasure of working with and for him.

Lindsay, we only met briefly while Chris was on course with us in Borden, it was a pleasure. I could tell instantly that you were his light, I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Chris you will be missed.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/25/2024 - 02:54:PM

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Maria Gooding

I am so sorry to hear of Chris's passing, I am truly shocked.
He will be missed! So sorry for your loss. xo

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/26/2024 - 11:55:AM

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Linda Mandeville

I was in shock and disbelief when i heard of the passing of Chris. I had worked in Finance at CFLCT, and he was at the cook school. We interacted often, and he always went out of his way to thank us for even the smallest tasks we performed for their department. Always the professional he will be missed by many.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/26/2024 - 12:03:PM

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Avril

Lindsay, I am so heart broken. You are in my prayers.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/26/2024 - 12:45:PM

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Rob

Very sad news. I worked with Chris in Richmond B.C. at 39 Svc Bn briefly for about a year (2017-18). We were both RSS there. From the very start he took action to improve the equipment in the kitchen and mentored the class A reserve cooks to improve their culinary skills. He took pride in everything he did, leading by example, a true leader. He was a genuine good guy, respectful, caring, and not one to let life’s struggles keep him from moving forward and being happy. The memories he gave so many of us will last forever. You are truly missed my friend.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/26/2024 - 01:28:PM

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Andrea Hewlett

It still doesn't seem real to me. Chris, you left lasting memories for all who met you, worked with you, and those who were fortunate enough to call you friend. You were always your true authentic self, and that's what was appealing to most! A heart of gold, would stop anything for a friend, spoke your mind and down to earth, east-coaster! You will be missed my friend. Till Valhalla.

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