T.J. O'CONNOR-NEPINAK (TERRENCE JACK)

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T.J. O'CONNOR-NEPINAK
(TERRENCE JACK)
1950 - 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the legendary Sergeant Major (Retired) T.J. O'Connor-Nepinak (Terrence Jack) of Fraserwood, on November 10, 2022. T.J. passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at Gimli Community Health Centre after a brief battle with Cancer at the age of 72.
T.J. is survived by his loving daughter Kathleen (Katie) O'Connor and her husband Matthew Downing of Stonewall, his sons Daniel and Andrew O'Connor of Winnipeg, and his beautiful granddaughters, Gabrielle Logan-O'Connor, Haley Downing and Jayda Swaffer and family. He is also survived by his brother Michael Nepinak of Ontario.
Predeceased by his parents Raymond O'Connor, his mother Rosine McCarthy (nee Nepinak), brother Russell O'Connor, and sisters Peggy O'Connor and Lena Nepinak.
He will surely be missed by countless cousins in Manitoba and Alberta, friends around the world and his Canadian Armed Forces family. Earlier this year, T.J. chose to be laid to rest at the Brookside Cemetery Field of Honour.
T.J. served with the military for a total of 42 years and continuously displayed pride and honour towards his Queen, his country and his peers. His Aboriginal roots were deep, volunteering with Bear Clan and other organizations to make a difference in his community, as well as passing on traditions and historical facts to "settlers" every chance he got.
The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and well wishes for T.J. during his last days on earth. He truly was loved by many. Forever, our Brother in Arms.

Rest In Peace, Sir. Prost!

Funeral service to be held Saturday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg. Graveside ceremony to follow. Celebration of Life to be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 215, at 2:00 p.m., 215 Maxwell King Drive, East St. Paul
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter in honour of T.J.'s love for animals or consider planting a tree in his honour with alivingtribute.ca to continue his love of nature and wildlife.

Sleep well young soldier, your job is done
your war is over and your battle won
No armour now to weigh you down
Cast it off into the sandy ground
Lay down your weapon for you need it not
No more bullets need be shot
Take off your helmet, look to the sky
For my friend it is your turn to die
Have courage now, go rest in peace
For the fighting here will never cease
You fought bravely and with honour died
You leave your family so full of pride
Sleep well young soldier, your job is done
your war is over and your battle won.
Neil Bardal
Funeral Centre
204 949 2200
neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2022