Connor William Rex Stapleton
April 27, 1998 to June 19, 2024
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our son Connor on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, NL. He requested that he be surrounded by his family and many friends as he wished to say goodbye and remind them of how much he loved them.
He was a very special young man who was loved by his family, friends and co-workers. There was never a person who met Connor that wasn’t treated with the greatest respect and offer of friendship.
Connor was diagnosed with an aggressive form of colon cancer just over three weeks ago. When he was told there was no hope for treatment or cure, his first thoughts were for his family, his girlfriend, Kiara, his friends and the effect it was going to have on them. In the past two weeks his room has been filled with everyone whose lives he touched in his short lifetime. Every now and then he would ask for privacy to be with a friend, who he counselled and tried to help deal with his diagnosis. Many of them left amazed that he was comforting them. We never realized how many friends Connor had made over his short lifetime.
Connor was an avid and talented curler. He was a very active member of the St. John’s Curling Club since the age of five, and became very accomplished in the sport.
In 2015 he won Provincial Under 18 Championship in NL and travelled to compete in the Optimist International Under 18 Championship in Edmonton, AB
In 2015 and was also chosen to represent Newfoundland and Labrador in the Canada Winter Games in Prince George, BC. It was an amazing experience, and his parents were there to cheer him on.
In 2016 he also won the Provincial Junior Curling Championship in NL, and then
In 2017 he represented the Province at the Canadian Junior Championship in Victoria, BC
In 2018 he attended Tim Horton’s Brier, held in Regina, SK, as a fifth on the NL team (competing against Brad Gushue). At that time, Connor was the youngest player (age 19) at the event.
Connor worked at Sobeys, on Torbay Road, since he was 16 and in 2019 was nominated and selected by Sobeys Canada as a “Value Champion”. He attended the National Awards Ceremony in Halifax for employees who had provided extraordinary customer service.
Connor always felt blessed that he was able to travel so much in his short life. He travelled with his high school group at PWC to Europe to visit the locations of the Canadian War Memorials. He also travelled extensively with his family throughout Canada and the US with trips to Las Vegas and Disney World in Florida.
Connor was attending Memorial University (MUN). He worked very hard to get the marks to be accepted into the Psychology Program, so that he could realize his dream of becoming a psychologist. He applied for acceptance this past winter/spring, and was waiting to hear back from them. A couple of his friends contacted MUN to see if he was successful. They asked the department if they might send his acceptance letter early so that he would know that he made it. His friends rushed the letter over to the hospital and made a big presentation congratulating him on his success. It was a bitter sweet moment.
We were blessed to have him, and will miss this giant hole in our lives forever, but the support of our family and friends have certainly helped us over these last few weeks.
The family sends many thanks to the following:
- The Sobeys family of stores in St. John’s for their support and generosity
- Canada’s curling community for their kindness and support, especially his team members
- The staff of the Health Science Center for their care and kindness
- To all our friends and family who have supported us over the past few weeks, from visiting Connor in hospital, to seeing to our welfare
Connor was predeceased by his grandparents Rev. Rex and Joan Kearley, and Eva and Bill Stapleton. He leaves behind his parents: Louise Kearley and Campbell Stapleton; his girlfriend Kiara Flynn (who never left his side) and her parents Denise and Chris Flynn; his Aunts and Uncles: Alan (Jennifer) Kearley, Shawn (Susan) Kearley, Ernie (Karen) Stapleton, Jan Stapleton and Scott (Christina) Stapleton; and his cousins: Megan and Evan Kearley, Patrick, Rosemary and Allison Stapleton, Sandra French and Craig Drover.
He also leaves behind his many friends and co-workers who Connor treasured.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Schedule
Visitations
10 am - 12 noon on June 23, 2024
2-4 p.m. on June 23, 2024
7-9 p.m. on June 23, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Burial
1:00pm, Monday June 24th
Anglican Cemetery, Kenmount Road
Louise and family,
My deepest condolences! Your son sounds like an amazing young man!
Mary Kelset
Louise and Cam,
I am so sorry for your loss. There’s nothing I can say to ease your grief but know he is with those who love him in heaven.
Mrs. Kearley, I am very sorry for your loss. My condolences on Connor’s passing. May the memories you created bring you comfort. He was lucky to have you as a Mom,.
Louise and Cam,
I can’t begin to imagine the deep sorrow that you must be experiencing in the loss of your precious son, Connor. I was out of the province until today and therefore unable to attend Connor’s wake or funeral but my thoughts were – and continue to be – with you. Although it is little comfort right now, time does help dull the pain.
We are so sorry to hear about Conner’s passing. He went to school with our son Stephen. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to the Stapleton and Kearley families, my thoughts and prayers are with you.. The whole curbing community mourns your loss and grieves with you.
So very sorry for your loss.
Bazel and Linda Buckle, Corner Brook. Praying for family and friends. Sincere Sympathy and condolences, Conner had many accomplished during his lifetime.. We are sorry for your loss.. He will be missed by his family, friends and curling buddies. God Bless.
Louise and Cam,
Sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Sincere condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Ray & Sadie Keats
I am incredibly sorry for your profound loss. I met Connor through my daughter, Anna. He was a wonderful friend to her. I once took Connor on a tour of my backyard vegetable garden. He was so interested, charming, and engaging. He was sincere and impressed me very much. He touched many people in many ways and I am thankful to have known him. I’m so sorry.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your son. A huge loss for everyone who knew and loved him.
Cam and Louise,
I am so sorry to hear of Connor’s passing. I can’t imagine the grief which you are going through. I know Connor was your pride and joy as Cam would tell of his curling accomplishments and of his adventures when ever he could. Cherish the memories and the love. Wishing you and your family peace during this difficult time.
Connor was a wonderful part of NL curling and we’re thankful to have made great memories with him at so many events.
Our sincere condolences to all family and friends, we are thinking of you all and sending love and healing at this difficult time.
Scott, Sherri, Jaime, Ryan, and Sarah ( Stephenville)
Louise and family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Louise and Family-My deepest condolences on the passing of your precious son.Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Cam and family, …no words can come close to an attempt at alleviating your sadness. I know how proud you were of your son from the loving way you spoke of him during some of our conversations at curling club.. While I never met Connor I believe he filled his short life with positive and wothwhile things. I want to offer my .sincere condolences .
Dear Louise and family, My family and I are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear son! May you all find comfort and peace in God’s great love for you, and may you all be strengthened in your beautiful and cherished memories. Much love and prayers! ❤️🙏❤️
Louise and Cam,
My prayers and deepest condolences on the passing of your son. May you find comfort and joy in the memories you have of Connor that you will always carry with you in your heart. I didn’t know Connor but he has accomplished so much and touched so many lives. Rest easy, Connnor..
Condolences to the family and friends at this most difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Louise and Cam, please know you are in our thoughts. We are so sad to hear of Conor’s passing.
Dave Robbins and Kim Larouche
I was was a regular customer at Sobeys. I talked with Connor many times over the last several years.
It was so unbelievingly heart breaking to hear of the news.
He lived a full. And happy life during his time on earth.
His family and friends will carry the memories of his life close to their heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time sincerely Reuben and Ruth Hatcher
Louise and Cam,
I am so very sorry to hear of Connor’s passing.
He was obviously a wonderful young man who touched the lives of many. May your many memories of Connor bring you comfort. My sincere condolences to you, your family and Connor’s friends.
We are so saddened to hear about Connor’s passing. Our hearts go out to you, Cam and Louise. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Cam, Louise, and all Connor’s extended family and friends – I’m so sorry for your loss. He will be in our thoughts, and so will all of you. Take care.
Louise, Cam and family. We were so very sorry to hear about Connor. He was a very nice young man. We always had a nice chat with him when we seen him at Sobeys. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss..Connor’s life was precious.
Cousin Patsy Laing Best, granddaughter of Ern and daughter of Allen.
Louise and Cam,
Fred and I send our thoughts and condolences to you on the immeasurable loss of your dear son, Connor. Our hearts ache for you both. May you find strength and peace in the love and support around you and your precious memories of Connor. His spirit will forever remain in your hearts and the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Fred and Tish Hawksley
My thoughts are with you at this sad time. I know memories of your son and his life will comfort you into the future.
Louise and Cam,
Words can not express how deeply saddened we are by the passing of your beautiful son Connor. You and your family are in our thoughts and prays.
Our deepest condolences,
Tony & Donna Aylward
Dear Louise,
I am so sorry to hear of this horrible tragedy. There are no words. You and Cam are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Michèle
I am saddened to hear of Connor’s passing, sending my condolences to the families and everyone who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
Connor left us too early and with so much grief. From God we come and to Him we return. May God grant his soul a high place in heavens, and make it easier for his loved ones. Amen
Dear Louise and Cam
Ii am so so sorry to hear about Connor. Condolences to you and your families and all that held him dear. Take care of yourselves.
Dear Louise and Cam
Ii am so so sorry to hear about Connor. Condolences to you and your families and all that held Connor dear. Take care of yourselves.
Dear Cam and Louise
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel at the tragic loss of your son, I know that colon cancer is on the rise in the younger population., but that reality is so hard to grasp when it strikes someone like your son. We wish we had had the opportunity to know him, he is in Gods hands now.
Condolences to you all on your loss.
Rest easy Connor.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your loving Connor. I did not know Connor but my niece worked with him at Sobeys. She spoke very highly of him. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. God bless!
Marion Butler
Louise ,
Sending you love at this unbelievably difficult time .
Tom Mills
Washington DC
To Cam, Louise & family: There are no words to express the pain & sadness you are feeling right now. We hope you will find some peace & comfort in knowing you raised such a wonderful son who was loved by so many , touched so many lives & left everyone with beautiful memories. Our thoughts & prayers are with you .
Louise,
Sending love and condolences to you and your family, Conner’s girlfriend and family, all his closest loved ones. The obituary is a beautiful tribute.
Sincerely,
Denise & Gary
Sending my condolences to Connor’s family. I worked with him at Sobeys for a few years, and even long after that every time I was there he would stop to chat with me and ask how I’m doing. Connor was one of the kindest and most caring people I’ve met, and I will always have fond memories of him.
So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. He accomplished so much in his much too short life. Very sincere condolences to everyone.
Condolences to his family
So very, very sorry for your loss, hoping your wonderful memories will help you and bring you peace
Cam and Louise
We send our deepest condolences to you and your family. May the memories of Connor’s achievements and contributions to the lives of his family and friends bring you peace in the coming years.
Louise and Cam
We only met your son once but our children remember playing with him at Nanny Joan’s and thought he was so sweet! He sounds like such a wonderful soul that will be missed by so many. We have no words to ease your pain but want you to know you’re in our thoughts and prayers! Sending our deepest condolences,
Audrey, Dave, Cecilee, Emma and Mariah and families
Please accept my sincere condolences during such a difficult time. May your precious memories bring you great comfort
Sincerely Margie Murray Reed
Many years ago Connor was in my room at Mun Childcare. Connor was the sweetest little boy. Years later I was shopping at Sobeys and seen him . I waited for a few visits before speaking to him and wondered would he think it was strange of me to talk to him… I did and we had a nice chat. Such a friendly and kind young man. I am so sorry for your profound loss.
Cam and Louise. So sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers go out to you and all the family and friends .
Cam and Louise,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious son Connor. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. My sons had the privilege of competing against Connor during their junior years. This tragic loss is felt by all in the curling community. Sending you strength and a reminder to remember the positive impact Connor had on all those that he met in his short life. RIP Connor.
Louise and Cam,
We were so fortunate to meet Connor during a camping trip to Terra Nova Park around 2010. Our sons and Connor discovered that they had lots in common and they hit it right off. What a good guy, a fine young gentleman. We can’t believe the sad news. We will pray for the whole family.
To Louise and all Connor’s family at this time of loss. The stories you share of Connor will sustain you in the days ahead and ensure his memory lives on in you. My deepest condolences to you all.
Glenda Bartlett
Cam and Louise,
The loss of your beloved son is a tragedy for which there are no words. Though, Cam, our friendship with you was recent, we know from our conversations with you that he was a special young man. We send our sincere condolences to you and your family as you navigate this most difficult time.
Lynda and Keith Arns
I didn’t know Connor, but as a fellow curler and survivor of colon cancer I felt compelled to write and offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I can’t imagine what you are all feeling. R.I.P. young man.
Cam and Louise,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please find some comfort in your family and friends who surround and support you during this time.
We will pray for Connor.
Brian & Gretchen Foley
So very sorry to hear about the loss of Connor. The difficulty in losing a child is a grief like no other. The support of your family and friends will be so important right now and will help you through this difficult time. He sounded like an amazing man and I wish I could have known him.
Condolences to Connors family and friends at this sad time. May he RIP. I worked with Jan at SC hospital
I’m absolutely devastated to learn of Connor’s passing. Cam and Louise, please know you are both in our family’s thoughts and prayers as you process this tragic loss. Cam, I loved running into you with Connor over the years, and hearing about his latest milestones and achievements. Connor was well and truly loved. May your precious memories bring you comfort now and always. Sending love to you, and to the rest of Connor’s circle of family, friends, and other loved ones.
Louise and Cam,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your tragic loss. My heart is broken for you.
This is such a beautiful obituary. It speaks of Connor’s love of family and friends, his strength and courage and his determination to leave this world better for his having been here.
As God welcomes Connor home, May He wrap His loving arms around you to comfort you and to guide you.
My deepest condolences.
Cathetine
The angels stood on the Hallelujah strand and sang Conor a welcome home.
Sending love and support,
Jewel Cousens
I knew neither Connor nor his family. However, I brushed by briefly in the early 2000s when my daughter Alison Walsh was a student of Connor’s father at Holy Heart. Alison passed away in 2013 so I know the pain of losing a beloved child. I just felt the need to extend my sincere condolences to you all at this very difficult time. “Speak his name, and he will be forever by your side.”
Cam and Louise,
We are so very sorry for this terrible loss. Thinking of you both and sending our deepest condolences.
We are so saddened to hear of Connor’s passing. Connor served us many times at Sobey’s on Torbay Road. Our son Aaron worked with him for several years. It took our breath away to hear this. Condolences to all the family. 🩷
Cam and Louise,
There are no words that can help ease the pain and sadness you are feeling. It’s evident that Connor was an incredible young man with a bright future. This is a cruel weight to bear. As you face the difficult times ahead I hope you are surrounded and supported by the love of those who share your sorrow.
Deepest condolences,
Jane Kelly
Louise and Cam shocked and saddened to read of Connor ‘s passing. thinking of you both and all family at this sad time . he was so loved cherish your memories
Louise and Cam: My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your son. This is a beautiful obituary. I cannot imagine the void this has left in your lives. My thoughts are with you. God Bless.
Over the past few years, since I left St John’s, I’ve missed Connor dearly. He was a fantastic friend who was always willing to support and do things for me, and others. I wish our circle of friends and his family, especially Louise and Cam, the best. I miss you man.
I am so so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. I worked with Cam at Holy Heart and with Louise at Mount Pearl when I substituted. I know how precious a child is and he seemed to be an absolutely spectacular boy and man. I can only imagine the laughs and shenanigans you all enjoyed as a family and the endless supply of joyous memories you all created. But there can never be enough and this is just not fair. Absolutely too shocking and quick to take in.
Again, I am so very sorry, Cam and Louise!
Leslie Kennedy
To Connor’s parents and other loved ones,
We have never met Connor, but his name has been said many times in our house over the last number of years as a friend to our daughter, Hayley. We have had the pleasure over the last while to provide a safe place for his friends to congregate (sometimes in silence), wait, talk, laugh, and cry. They have talked about his accomplishments, but most of all his friendship, support and kindness. He was definitely a special and much loved young man.
Us, as parents, are also devasted by your loss. We hope there is some comfort in knowing that Connor will always be remembered and loved.
Louise and Cam there are no words to say how sorry I am. I only met Connor a few times but I was impressed with what a kind thoughtful young man he was.. my thoughts have been with you the past weeks and now. Condolences to all the family.
Condolences to Louise & Cam. My heart goes out to you both during this difficult time. ‘Go Raibh Suaimhneas Síoraí Air’ (Eternal Rest Be Upon Him)
So sorry to hear of Connor’s passing. I didn’t know him personally but I remember Mrs. Kearley speaking highly of him back in Drama classes and knowing he was well-loved by his family. Thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
He was a co worker and a friend. He gave me many the pep talks at Sobeys. He was an angel of this earth and he will fly over us and protect all that he knew and loved. My heartfelt condolences to his all his family and friends.
You were the kindest. You always had the right things to say and were such a comfort. I’ll never forget the memories from work, or from our get togethers. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Sending my condolences to Connor’s family and friends! I worked with Connor at Sobeys a few years back. He was always a pleasure to work with, always kind and soft spoken and his laugh was infectious! I know Connor will be missed by his work family at Sobeys and anyone who had the opportunity to know him! He was a one of a kind person. Rest easy Connor <3
I am so sorry to the loved ones of Connor. He was a great friend to my husband Jason. They had many fun times playing D&D together.
There is never enough words to offer to bring comfort to you. But knowing that he had so many people in his life that cared for him, Im sure, brought him peace.
Thinking of you all. RIP Connor.
So sorry to hear of your deep loss and know you are holding your memories close in your hearts..
The loss of your son Connor is a loss felt by all who knew him. He accomplished so much in a short time that he will continue to shine in our memories. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
Louise and Cam, I am so sorry for your loss. Connor was blessed to have you as his parents. My deepest condolences.
Cam & Louise,
I am so sorry to hear about Connor’s passing. My heart goes out to both of you during this difficult time. I know there are no words to ease your pain! Sending my sincere condolences.
Ernie, Karen and family so very sorry for your loss. Condolences to all the family. Carol & John
Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Connor. Stella and Barry Greenslade
Cam and Louise,
Earl and I are so so sorry. We wish so much we could be there to comfort you. I was so privileged to see Connor last year when we visited you. It had been so long. I will cherish the memories we all made together when the three of you visited Hamilton and when I visited you. I was so privileged to talk with Connor last week – and was amazed at his strength and bravery. We love you always.
Louise and Cam,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family during this unimaginable time of grief. We didn’t know Connor, but from what we’ve read he was certainly a remarkable man who was very loved. May his memory be a blessing to you and all who mourn his passing.
With love,
Lorraine and Stephen Jackson
Louise and cam
You’ve been in my thoughts so much these last few weeks. Connor will be always remembered.