Garry Leroy Connor

Garry Leroy Connor (71), of Calgary, Alberta passed away in Calgary at the Rockyview General Hospital (RGH) on April 3, 2026.

Garry was born in Calgary on September 10, 1954, to parents Leroy and Jean (both deceased). Garry was the eldest of two children, his younger brother Brian Connor currently resides in Victoria, B.C. Having lost his own father at a young age, Garry was largely without a male role model or roadmap when he and June Cannon became parents to a son (Shane Cannon) born in Calgary in June 1974.

Around 1977 Garry met the love of his life, Mary Rose Anderson (“Rosie”), and in time Garry became a stepfather to Rosie’s son Mike Desrosier. Garry and Rosie had two boys of their own, Matthew (“Matty”) in 1981, and Patrick James (“PJ”) in 1984 - both of whom currently reside in Calgary.

After a decade of resettling in various homes in Calgary, Garry and Rosie moved their family to Victoria in 1992. For the next Twenty-Five years Garry worked for the Salvation Army where he dedicated his selfless nature and admirable work ethic to his position as a furniture and donation driver for the charity organization.

Beyond his role as a reliable employee and a great friend to those who knew him – Garry’s greatest source of pride and his deepest passions were enjoyed when he was off the clock. Navigating a life riddled with hardships and occasional pitfalls – including addiction - Garry nurtured his zest for life while maintaining his strong moral convictions.

He is remembered as; a reliable provider, a hard worker, a “damn good crib player”, a history junkie, a KFC and Chinese food aficionado, someone who loved sports – both playing (e.g. baseball) and watching as an unwavering fan – and it should be noted Garry came THIS close to seeing his beloved Blue Jays win another World Series last year!

Among his legacies, Garry can be considered a Calgary sports fan ambassador - passing on his devotion to The Calgary Stampeders and The Calgary Flames to his three sons Shane, Matty, and PJ. A humble and quiet man Garry enjoyed nothing more than the simple pleasures in life with an ideal evening including Garry settled on a couch in a living room filled with an assortment of family and friends - Garry would have a cold beer in hand, a game (or two) on TV, a deck of cards nearby, a bucket of KFC on the way, and the unspoken knowledge that (if need be) Garry could be relied upon to give up his seat, his last smoke, or even the final drumstick.

In addition to his parents Garry was predeceased by his partner Rosie (2023). He is survived by his brother Brian Connor, also Garry’s son Shane Cannon and grandsons Holden and Felix. Garry’s son Matty, partner Lindsay, and grandsons Nathan, Lucas and Jacob. Garry's son PJ, PJ’s fiancé Candice, and Candace’s son Xzavior. And Garry is survived by his stepson Mike Desrosier, wife Nicole, and their daughters Michala, Natalie, and Julie.

There will be a memorial service for Garry Leroy Connor at the Marda Loop Communities Association (3130 16 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. - with a brief service at 2:30 p.m.

Finally, the family would like to thank the first responders who attended and the staff at the RGH for their efforts, kindness, and compassion during those difficult days in early April.

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