Kyle O’Reilly Mourns the Passing of His Father With Emotional Tribute

Kyle O’Reilly is mourning a heartbreaking loss — and he shared a deeply personal message honoring his father.

The AEW star took to Instagram to announce that his father, Rick Greenwood, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026. He began by setting the tone for the message, describing the kind of person his father was and the circumstances surrounding his passing.

“My father, Rick Greenwood was the kindest man around. He passed peacefully March 27, 2026 surrounded by loved ones listening to his favorite Pink Floyd album.”

From there, O’Reilly reflected on his father’s early years, sharing details about a childhood that wasn’t easy — but one that built a strong foundation rooted in hard work and resilience. He then moved into his father’s teenage years and early career, explaining how he developed a trade that would go on to define much of his life.

“He was born on Valentine’s Day in 1952 and grew up in Penticton, BC a sickly child with 6 siblings. They all had paper routes and worked the cherry orchard, learning the value of hard work. Later they moved to East Vancouver, and as a teenager Rick entered an apprenticeship program becoming a cabinet maker by trade and eventually a master craftsman.”

O’Reilly made it clear this wasn’t just a profession — it was something much deeper, describing his father’s natural ability to create and build. The tribute then shifted to his parents’ relationship, with O’Reilly sharing how much comfort the family has found in believing his parents are reunited.

“There was no limit to Rick’s ability to take something out of the imagination and use wood to craft it with his bare hands. He met his spouse and my mother, Janie McLoughlin in 1975 and to know they are now reunited beyond this earthly realm gives great comfort to myself and my family.”

He continued by showing his father’s role at home, describing him not just as a provider, but as someone who physically built the environment his family grew up in. O’Reilly then detailed his father’s later career, revealing the pride and precision he brought to his work — even in places most people would never notice.

“Rick was a devoted father and ran his own business building staircases and handrails, he also built the cribs and the house that his children lived in. Rick later became a shipwright for BC Ferries where he ran maintenance and refits on an entire fleet of ships, adding his perfected handiwork in the most unlikely places gone unnoticed by the daily passenger, but Rick made sure every job was meticulous and beautiful.”

Looking back at the home his father built, O’Reilly described how his presence can still be felt in every corner — a lasting reminder of his life’s work. He then shared the most important lesson his father passed down — something that directly influenced his own journey into wrestling.

“When we look around his home now we see his fingerprints everywhere. The greatest lesson he taught me was that ‘if you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,’ and Dad worked relentlessly hard simply because that’s what he loved to do.”

Finally, he closed his tribute by reflecting on how others viewed his father, reinforcing the legacy he leaves behind.

“Lastly, we are so pleased to see how many messages came from people who knew my Dad saying what a kind and gentle soul he was. I’m so proud that in a world full of malice and hatred, Rick always chose to be kind. Be kind and create; must’ve been his mantra.”

The tribute goes far beyond a simple announcement — it’s a detailed reflection on a life built through hard work, creativity, and kindness, and the lasting impact that continues through family. Our thoughts remain with Kyle O’Reilly and his family as they remember a man whose influence clearly reached far beyond his own lifetime.

What part of Kyle O’Reilly’s tribute stood out to you the most, and which message from his father’s life resonated with you? Let us know in the comments.