In Loving Memory of Quinton Connolley

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Quinton Connolley on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the age of 32.

How does one begin to catalog a person's life and portray in words a personality that was larger than life? You start at the beginning.

The little 6.5-lb bundle we all know as Quinton (he wouldn't gain his giant status until much later) was born in Grimshaw, Alberta, at 1:36 p.m. on January 15, 1994. Quinton's passion to find a purpose began at minute one, and that purpose was to be named that year’s New Year’s baby at the Grimshaw Hospital.

Quinton lived in Grimshaw with his mom, Jodi, and as he grew into a toddler, you could find him cruising the streets of Grimshaw with his uncle Dave and uncle Aron as their wingman and ultimate chick magnet! Quinton quickly grew into a little boy who lived by his own rules and definitely ruled the roost wherever he roamed. At the age of four, Quinton set out on a new adventure with his mom and Auntie Carol, moving to Rimbey, Alberta, where they would remain until he was ten.

During this time, he found a love for soccer and would spend endless days with his many aunts, uncles, and Little Grandma. When he wasn't at home in Rimbey, it was guaranteed you'd find him at his grandparents David and Jean's farm—kicking up dirt or jumping on the trampoline. He was a familiar face at stampedes and rodeos, as his mom and aunt were heavily involved with the chuckwagons for many years. Quinton regularly joined David and Jean during his summer holidays on their many summer trips that took him to places like Liard Hot Springs, Drumheller, Kitimat, and Prince Rupert. He completed a short stint in Taekwondo, but it was determined to be a bit too dangerous when he landed a kick to his mom's nose.

At the age of ten, Jodi and Quinton returned to the Peace Country and settled in Grande Prairie. He continued to play soccer and loved to spend endless hours on the outdoor rink at his school chasing the puck around with friends or by himself. He spent many days with his aunts and uncles—going camping, fishing, and on trips to Edmonton, along with many other adventures.

In grade 9, he decided it was wrong to hit people unless you had on a helmet and shoulder pads, so he joined the Peace Wapiti High School football team. In 2012, Quinton graduated from that same high school.

Right after high school, Quinton joined his uncle Aron in the oilfield industry, where he worked hard and played harder. He purchased his first brand-new truck and was so proud of himself but was disappointed that you couldn't “Tokyo Drift” in a truck. Even as he grew older, he always returned to the farm to ride Crimson, as she was his go-to counsellor and confidante.

Quinton will forever hold the record as the tallest Connolley among Dalton, Michael, Kaiden, and Cole, a coveted spot fought over for years. He will remain the second-loudest, behind his uncle Dave.

Quinton’s greatest joy in life was being a father. Quinton welcomed his first son, Robert, on December 13, 2016, and Jack would follow on January 9, 2019.

In 2020, Quinton met Telayna and her son, Adonis. What began as a friendship quickly grew into a relationship rooted in love, faith, and family. They officially began dating in September 2020, and together built a blended family filled with laughter, adventures, and countless memories.

In October 2021, Quinton experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus. He was baptized that same month and wholeheartedly dedicated his life to following the Lord. His faith became the foundation of who he was and shaped the way he loved, served, and encouraged others. Quinton never missed an opportunity to share his testimony or tell someone about the hope he had found in Christ.

On July 30, 2023, Quinton and Telayna were married in a small chapel ceremony with only their children present. It was a beautiful reflection of what mattered most to them: faith, family, and commitment. Later that year, they welcomed their daughter Aubrielle, who brought immeasurable joy to their lives. In August 2024, they celebrated their marriage with family and friends, gathering loved ones together to share in their happiness.

In recent years, Quinton had become deeply passionate about resilience, healing, parenting, and breaking generational cycles. Through his involvement with the Family Education Society and additional learning opportunities such as Brain Story and Intergenerational Healing, he devoted himself to understanding people, strengthening families, and becoming the best father, husband, and man he could be. He believed deeply in helping men grow into stronger fathers and leaders and was exploring a future in social work, where he hoped to continue serving others.

Those who knew Quinton knew a man whose presence was impossible to miss. His laugh was loud, contagious, and carried through every room he entered. Whether you could see him or not, you always knew when Quin was nearby. He was funny, playful, and never lost his childlike spirit.

He loved good food, good company, and meaningful conversation. Few things made him happier than gathering around a table with family and friends, sharing a meal and enjoying time together. At family gatherings, he always made a point of connecting with the children. More often than not, he could be found in the middle of a game, laughing alongside them and making sure every child felt seen and included.

Quinton loved music, especially rock, and had recently developed an appreciation for NF’s music. He enjoyed working with his hands and rarely sat still for long. Whether he was tending the garden, caring for his fruit plants, working around the house, helping a friend, or tackling a new project, he found joy in staying busy and serving others.

One of Quinton’s favourite places was his grandparents’ farm. There, among the horses and open fields, he found peace and comfort. On difficult days, he would often spend time sitting quietly with the horses. He loved bringing his family to the farm and sharing that special place with those he loved.

Above all else, Quinton loved Jesus and loved his family. He was resilient, loyal, compassionate, and deeply committed to the people in his life. His legacy is one of faith, perseverance, growth, and unconditional love.

Quinton was predeceased by his grandmother, Darlene Mae Best. He was also predeceased by his grandparents, Earl and Phyllis Coates, as well as his grandmother, Anne Connolley.

Quinton is survived by his wife, Telayna Connolley; his children, Robert, Jack, Adonis, and Aubrielle; his mother, Jodi Connolley; his grandparents, David and Jean Connolley; his siblings, Prestin Sorken, Alicia Sorken, Wyatt Sorken, and Jade Head; his in-laws, Jason and Christina Wood; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Grande Prairie Alliance Church (15502-102 Street). Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a potluck meal and fellowship in the church café. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

For those who wish to make a donation to assist with funeral expenses, please call Oliver’s Funeral Home (780-532-2929). Memorial donations may also be made to the Family Education Society (bottom of page: https://www.familyeducationsociety.org/support-us/). Quin deeply valued this network of support and would love for people to familiarize themselves with the Society and their mission. He would have highly recommended taking the Resilience Scale Masterclass and learning about the Brain Story. These initiatives teach about the brain and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), how to add positive supports and “tip the scale” in the face of adversity, and how to break generational cycles.

Though our hearts are broken by his loss, we find comfort in knowing that the faith he held so tightly throughout his life has now become sight.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

“ 4 Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ — Luke 15:4-6