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
Digital Guestbook
Chad Oliver
Michelle Mayhew
I am so very sorry for your loss, sending my deepest condolences to his wife, his parents, family, and many many friends. Rest in peace Chris.
Karen Jones (MWO Retd')
Chris, take your rest, for we have the watch. You will be missed, not only for your personality, your trade skills, your fairness and above all the dedications in all your leadership aswel as the mentorship roles, you contributed too. I will miss our chats. Heartfelt condolences you your loved one and friends.
Gord Vail
I was Chris’ School Liaison Officer when he was a student at Sackville High School. I also had the privilege of coaching Chris during his playing days with the Kingfisher’s High School Rugby team. What a fine young gentleman he was and an intense competitor as our scrum half on the field. I bumped into Chris a couple of times over the past number of years, the last time at a Mooseheads game. He was an extremely proud member of the CAF and I was so happy he found a career he loved. My deepest sympathies to Chris’ family. A life worthwhile and a life well lived, yet gone far too soon.
Danielle Winters
How truly unfair the world can be. Chris you will never be forgotten and you have honestly positively impacted every person you have ever known. I'll never forget our time working together and what you said to me the day before you left for CANSOFCOM. You were meant to be there my friend.
The sadness and grief we are all feeling is echoing throughout the hallways at FS Cadre which is a testament to your leadership, your devotion to your people and the positive impact you had on every single member of our team and on me as well. I will forever think of you when promoting our occupation and hope to do it with even half of the passion you did.
Lindsay, I am so very sorry for your loss. Chris was just as lucky to have found you as you were him, and you will always be a part of the Cook Occ family.
We are here for you xxx
Andrew Saunders
We grew up in Sackville together, played rugby, got into trouble and became men. We joined the CAF around the same time and haven’t seen too much of each other since. You had a passion for life that I haven’t seen in the last 25 years, not even close! RIP Sparky, until we meet again.
David Spear
Chris,
Knowing you was a gift that I will forever treasure. I am blessed that you were a part of my life.
Until we meet again.
David
James and Claudia Antflick
We had the privilege of meeting Christopher once and the words humble dignity came to mind. His compassion and empathy were evident. The world has lost a truly exceptional human being.
Our condolences on your loss.
Joe Dickie
All the crew of HMCS Halifax were blessed to have seen your smiling face behind the steam line, serving up one of your signature dishes, that you always put a lot of effort into preparing. You always took the extra time to make the best meals that always made us all feel better after a hard day on watch, and we'll never forget sailing with you. My deepest condolences to your family, loved ones and the hundreds of us shipmates who were fortunate enough to have spent time with you at sea. Rest in peace old shipmate.
Dan Campbell
Very saddened to hear of Chris’s passing.
He was a passionate soldier and logistician, always willing to lend a hand wherever and whenever needed. Although I’d only known Chris for a short while, it felt like I’d known him for far longer. That’s the impact he made on people. Chris was genuine, he cared, and he was unforgettable.
We will remember him.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
First of all I want to send my deepest condolences to Chris' mother Sharon and sister Andrea. I've known Chris and been friends with him since we were young kids growing up in Sackville. We trained together and always had fun laughing and joking. Rest in Peace My friend 🧡