Dennis J. Conner

Gone too soon, Dennis passed away in Bellingham, WA on April 1, 2020, at 67 years young. He was born in Seattle, WA to James and Agnes (Fisher) Conner. After receiving his BA in Parks and Recreation from Western Washington University, he went to work for Whatcom County Parks as a Regional Park Ranger and later the Whatcom Land Trust and there he was known as the Volunteer Coordinator “Extraordinaire”. Naturally a lover of the great outdoors, Dennis spent his time hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and traveling with “Terry’s Tours”. More than anything, he was a dedicated family man and valued time spent with loved ones. Dennis was an extraordinary man with a vivacious spirit, gentle honesty, and the most beautiful soul. He was forgiving, selfless, and always assumed the best in others. A hard worker, endless giver, and a loyal friend. His good friend, Rand Jack, said it best; “His indomitable spirit, his generosity and kindness, his devotion to our community and the natural environment, his smile, his laughter, and the twinkle in his eyes lives on in the hearts of all of us fortunate enough to know him.” Dennis is preceded in death by his mother, Agnes; maternal grandparents, Herb and Maud Fisher; and paternal grandparents, Herman and Charlotte Fisher. Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Terry Conner; children, Matt (Courtney) and Lisa (Kevin); step-children, Aaron (Sara), Rebekah (Kent), and Jon (Chelsea); nine grandchildren, sister, Cheryl (Ken); father, James (96 ½ years young), sister-in-law, Patricia; and other extended family members. Donations may be made to Whatcom Land Trust, PO Box 6131, Bellingham, WA 98227. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to plan for any services at this time. “My favorite memories with my dad were the quiet moments after a long day of working or an outdoor adventure. We would settle in around the fire in his living room or under a tarp, the weather would really set in, and dad would tell us stories. Sometimes, his stories would have a message and you would learn important life lessons from his mistakes and those of others. Other times his stories turned out to be elaborate jokes, but you didn’t realize it until the end. No matter where you went or what you were doing with dad, you were either making the story he would tell tomorrow or being enthralled by something crazy he had heard or seen. I will miss his stories, both making them with him and telling them later.” – Matt Conner (son) “Life with my dad was a fun adventure. From running around Hovander Park, eating pig food, playing with the animals, and climbing trees, to boating in the islands – every day was full of good friends, laughter, and love.” – Lisa Brett (daughter) “I remember a man who gave more to his community than anyone I know. A man who embraced life and lived it to the fullest. I remember an adventurer and a humorous storyteller whose fish stories grew with each telling. I remember the man who evolved from an acquaintance, to a friend, to a best friend, to a brother. I will miss him greatly, but I will never forget him. His passion and zest for life should inspire each of us to be a better person and live life like there is no tomorrow.” – Carl Prince (best friend, “brother”) “Dennis was one of the finest men I have ever known. Always positive, always connecting people, always striving to make the world a better place. He will be missed by so many!” – Corbin Ball (friend) Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “WOW, what a ride!”.

Dennis J. Conner

June 4, 1952 - April 1, 2020