Obituary of Robert Howard O’CONNOR

September 9, 1924 – Red Deer, Alberta December 25, 2013 – Calgary, Alberta Robert (Bob) O’Connor of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 at the age of 89 years. Bob was born in Red Deer, Alberta on September 9, 1924. He graduated from Red Deer High School and enlisted in the RCAF during WWII. He was a navigator in Mosquitos, Squadron 627. He served proudly as a Pathfinder. After the war he continued his education at the University of Alberta and graduated with a degree in Geology. He worked as a geologist in the Alberta Oil patch all his professional life but his true love was in hard rock. He was involved in several gold mining properties around the world. Throughout his life the memories of the Mosquito and Pathfinders were always on his mind. He devoted much of his time to The Aircrew Association of Alberta, The Calgary Aerospace Museum, The Military Museum and The Mosquito Restoration Society. He helped restore several world class examples of military aircraft. He was also devoted to his church, St. John the Evangelist, and loved his Wednesday lunches with the clergy and parishioners at the Pearl Dragon. Bob is survived by his first wife Gerry O’Connor, his children Patrick and wife Barbara, Michael and his wife Sandy, Maureen and husband Murray Ord and Kathleen and her partner P.J. Carlisle; as well as his grandchildren Katie and Ali, Sean and Erin, Robyn and Sarah; his step daughters Leanne and Lisa; his nieces and nephews; and the rest of his family and friends. Funeral Services will be held at St. John the Evangelist (1423 – 8 Avenue S.E.) on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with reception to follow. Celebration of Life will also be held at Mewata Armoury Officer’s Mess (801-11th Street S.W. Calgary) at 1:30pm. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Bob O’Connor, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.