Connor David Riddell

It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to our son Connor. Connor was a beautiful and caring person who had his fair share of challenges in his life. He was funny, intelligent, loved nothing more than a good ‘debate’, and was relentless at making his point. He loved gaming; board games, computer games, online games and always played to win. He would often figure out a successful strategy before most of us even understood the rules. He was a risk taker and loved all things dangerous: fire, blades and speed. Connor also loved animals, in particular his companion and best friend for over eleven years, Donna (the dog). He and Donna were cut from the same cloth; energetic, loud and loving. They were dedicated to each other.

Connor faced significant challenges from early in life. He was intellectually gifted but hampered by ADHD and was later diagnosed as a Super Feeler (Borderline Personality Disorder). A nurse once described BPD as having a Ferrari with no breaks – for him there was no filter from the depth of emotions that flooded him. His brain simply didn’t function the way most of us do and he often expressed that he just wanted to be “normal”. He struggled to find a way to fit in and was often most comfortable with children because they simply accepted him the way he was. He remained childlike himself in many respects to the end of his days.

Connor will be sadly missed by his mother Mary-Rose, his father Steven, his brother Duncan, his grandmother Margaret and perhaps most of all his loyal friend, Donna. He had a wide extended family with numerous uncles, aunts and cousins who loved him: his absence will be keenly felt by both the Daigle and the Riddell families.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations can be made to The Sashbear Foundation, an organization dedicated to education and support for families dealing with BPD.

There will be a memorial service for Connor on Sunday May 3, 1-4 pm at the Peterborough Lions Centre at 347 Burnham St. All are welcome to join us in celebrating our son’s life.