Edward "Graham" O'Connor

(April 4, 1936 – October 17, 2025) It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Edward 'Graham' O'Connor, aged 89 years, on Friday, October 17, 2025, in Calgary, AB. Graham (or "Big G" as he was known to many) was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected businessman who lived a full and generous life defined by hard work, independence, curiosity, and a deep connection to community and tradition. Born in Edmonton, AB, to Ed and Gert O'Connor, Graham was the eldest of four children. His early years were spent in Calgary, where he attended Sacred Heart School and St. Mary's Boy's School, culminating in a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta in 1958. Throughout this time, he formed foundational friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime - whether quarterbacking for the St. Mary's Saints and the "Mighty" Calgary Mustangs, or through his active membership in the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. In the 1960s, Graham began his career in the retail clothing industry and went on to build the brand behind O'Connors Men's & Women's Clothing and Footwear, which has become a landmark in the Calgary community. He built a thriving business with acumen, dedication, and his trademark upbeat discipline. Ultimately, Graham's high standards and genuine appreciation for and devotion to both the staff and customers created a loyal following that spanned generations and decades. Beyond business, Graham was deeply committed to the community that supported him. He gave generously of his time and leadership to organizations that reflected his pride in Calgary. He joined the Kinsmen Club of Calgary in 1965, serving actively until 1976, and continued his service through the K-40 Club. In 1968, Graham began volunteering with the Calgary Stampede, an organization that became one of his great passions. As a Director, he oversaw the Rodeo, Midway, Stampede Balloon Race, and Historical committees, and in 1984 was recognized as an Honorary Life Director - a distinction he treasured. Graham also served as a Director and later Chairman of the Alberta Division of the Western Canada Lottery, and as a Director of the RCMP Foundation. Graham also loved ranching, which reflected his appreciation for Western Canadian life. Whether throwing hay bales, mending fences, or branding cattle, he derived pleasure from unending physical labour. In 2001, he became a partner in Timber Ridge Ranch, a working ranch, raising Limousin and Black Angus cattle - where he would swap polished dress shoes and tailored suits for leather gloves and a pair of well-worn boots. A lifelong learner and passionate collector, Graham devoted decades to building extraordinary collections - military marching band miniatures, RCMP memorabilia, and Canadiana history books - before turning his attention to postcards chronicling the rich history of early Western Canada. Together, these collections tell the story of a man driven by curiosity and a profound love for preserving Canada's heritage. At the center of Graham's life was his family. Together with his wife and partner of 66 years, Carolyn, they raised six children: Stuart (Martha) O'Connor, Craig O'Connor, Megan (Peter) Seraphim, Myles (Cathy) O'Connor, Allison (John) O'Connor Dinning, and Meredith (Scott) O'Connor Collins. He was the adored grandfather (known affectionately as "Poppa") of Charles, Bronwen, Emma (Rory), Quinn, Callum, Logan (Kendra), Owen, Aden, Eamon, Lochlan, and Reid. The academic, extra-curricular, and artistic achievements of his eleven grandchildren were a continual source of pride and real joy for him. Graham is also survived by his siblings, Larry (Patti) O'Connor, Patti (Bob) McKendrick, and Maureen O'Connor, along with their families. Many of his fondest childhood memories were of summers spent with them and their cousins at Seba Beach and along the Ghost River, where they shared endless adventures - memories that stayed with him for a lifetime. In the past year, following a significant stroke, Graham cherished the gift of extra time as it afforded him the opportunity to express the deep-felt gratitude and appreciation he had for his family, friends, and business colleagues. Those who witnessed his remarkable commitment to recovery saw firsthand his optimism, resilience, and grace - qualities that defined him to the end. The O'Connor family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at the Foothills Hospital ICU and Stroke units, the Fanning Centre, and the Rockyview Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism, as well as to the many individuals who supported and comforted Graham at home. A Funeral Mass Celebrating Graham's Life will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral on Monday, November 3, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. As a tribute to Graham's vibrant spirit, guests are invited to wear their brightest and most beloved pieces of clothing - a joyful scarf, a pink sport coat, a colorful blouse, or a bold pair of trousers - in celebration of a remarkable life well lived. He would love it! In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Mary's Cathedral Capital Fund (https://tinyurl.com/buildfund), or the Calgary Stampede Foundation (https://corporate.calgarystampede.com/foundation/ways-to-give). Graham's legacy endures in his family, his business, his community, and his collections - in every handshake, story, and small act of kindness that reflected the essence of who he was: a man of vision, generosity, resilience, and optimism. Graham loved this quote from Mae West because it embodied his life philosophy: "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Graham's family at www.MHFH.com. In living memory of Graham O'Connor, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.