Michael (Mike) O'Connor – 1947 – 2014
It is with great sadness that BC Athletics has learned of the passing of Mike O’Connor on August 20, 2014. Mike a Middle Distance Coach with the Kajaks Track & Field Club succumbed to cancer after a long and courageous battle.
An outstanding Middle Distance Coach who in the 1990’s and into the early 21st Century developed and coached a group of High School and University aged runners who dominated the middle distance events in BC and Canada.
Graeme Wells and Ryan Hayden both sub 4 minute milers are two of the stable Kajaks athletes that Mike guided, organized, coached and mentored not only on the track but in life. Ryan still holds BC Youth and Junior Records at 1500m and Mile (Jnr). Many of the athletes Mike coached went on to successful University careers in Track and Cross Country, representing BC at National Championships, Canada and Western Canada Games Teams and earning selection to Athletics Canada National Teams.
Mike also brought his knowledge, passion and commitment to BC Athletics Teams and the Track & Field Committee where he represented the Middle Distance Event Group.
Mike will be missed by his family, athletes, friends and the many individuals who were fortunate to know him.
Our condolences to Noreen (wife) and their children and families.
A memorial mass will be held on Friday August 29th at 6pm at St Joseph the Worker, 4451 Williams Road, Richmond BC. In lieu of flowers, donations to the B.C. Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated
See more at:
Vancouver Sun: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/vancouversun/obituary.aspx?n=michael-christopher-oconnor&pid=172264368#sthash.4VivQyd0.dpuf
Richmond Review: http://www.richmondreview.com/sports/272221401.html
