Ben O’Connor remembered for his compassionate heart after tragic New Year’s Day passing at age 27
Cairns lost a deeply respected young man on New Year’s Day – a Muay Thai fighter remembered by his father and friends for his broad smile, kind spirit and love of adventure.
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The passing of young Cairns man Ben O’Connor has triggered shock and grief within the Far North community, as well as an inundation of tributes for a “compassionate” and “generous” individual.
Mr O’Connor died on Sunday, January 1, aged 27.
He was born in Darwin in 1995 and moved to Cairns with his family at age four.
He attended Edge Hill State School and later Cairns State High School.
Throughout his formative years, a young Ben could only be found with his mates building and riding BMX jumps in the outdoors until the sun came down, according to his father Bill O’Connor.
But, above all, his generosity for others was his defining feature.
“He would get in his car at 3am to pick someone up if they were in trouble. Anyone could rely on him,” Bill said.
“He had the greatest smile and laugh … He’d be there for everybody.”
Mr O’Connor was an avid motocross and BMX racer in his teenage years, Bill said.
But if any activity was adventurous, Mr O’Connor would be found doing it.
“Everything was about bikes and bike jumps … he’d be on his push bike all day,” Bill said.
“He never sat around. He’d always be getting people out saying, ‘C’mon let’s go to the creek or the beach for a swim’. He always kept fit and positive … he was a picture of health.”
Most recently, Mr O’Connor’s life largely revolved around his passion for the Muay Thai combat sport.
He trained at the popular Manunda fight facility DF Gym, where he gathered many friends and was an inspiring example to other fighters.
His friend and fellow fighter Ryan McDonald described Mr O’Connor as “a giant among men”.
“My friend Ben … a soul that can’t be removed from our hearts; a precious treasure lost,” Mr McDonald said.
Many others from the gym’s community offered tributes to Mr O’Connor.
“Your smile lit up every room you walked into. Your hugs were always the warmest. Your soul radiated sunshine into our hearts. I will forever miss our chats and I will forever miss you,” Kristen Filitonga, the gym’s manager, said.
Friend Jimmy Richards said: “Benno left a handprint on many hearts, including mine. His memory will live on”.
Juliette Wilkinson, another friend, said: “Dear Benno, always the kindest, the one that was there for us, forever in our corner. Our world will never be the same”.
On Facebook, friend Melody Ward told of a story that exemplified Mr O’Connor’s spirit.
“I’ll never forget the night you … sat beside me in hospital … you stayed with me until I got picked up and then checked on me in the morning to see if I was all right,” Ms Ward said.
“We’re going to miss you.”
Gym owner Patrick Doherty described Mr O’Connor as “an absolute staunch competitor in the ring”.
“You touched so many with your cheeky smile and devilish antics … a compassionate and caring person to everyone,” Mr Doherty said.
AJ Phillips, Mr O’Connor’s employer at VAE Cairns, said Mr O’Connor was at the top of his game in the mechanical industry.
“During his time in the industry, he completed two trades and passed his knowledge down to many other apprentices,” Mr Phillips said.
“He was very honest and reliable both professionally and personally. Like a big brother to the team, with his bright personality and can-do attitude, Ben touched and influenced everyone that had the pleasure to spend time with him.”
Mr O’Connor is survived by his mother Heather, father Bill, younger sister Shannon and younger brother Jackson.
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