Dennis J. Conner
June 04, 1952 - April 01, 2020
Bellingham, WA
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Dennis J. Conner
June 04, 1952 - April 01, 2020
Bellingham, WA
Obituary
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!”.
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39 responses to Dennis J. Conner
Lynne Givler says:
April 3, 2020
The photo with this remembrance says so much. Dennis moved through life with such a positive attitude. Nothing seemed to get him down. I’m so fortunate to have known him and will always remember his compassion, his humor and all that he gave to so many people and to our whole community.
Dean Brett says:
April 3, 2020
I doubt that Dennis ever sat down and read Victor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning. He didn’t have to. He lived it. Frankl wrote his masterpiece after he was liberated from a Nazi concentration camp and reflected that your “attitude” is under your own control even in the most difficult of situations. Dennis’ lifelong positive attitude remained even after his devastating diagnosis. He resolved to, and did, squeeze every bit of joy out of every day. He will always remain as a role model to our common grandchildren.
michael chiavario says:
April 3, 2020
Dennis was my first boss at Whatcom County Parks. In short order he became my friend. He welcomed me, a scared new employee hoping to measure up to the job, as if I were a family member. Such warmth and sincerity.
Dennis also welcomed my wife Mary and daughter Katy as part of the family. Katy was taken by his kindness and humor right away. She loved to be around him. Dennis often listened patiently and sincerely to my political views over lunch even when we disagreed on the issues at hand. We didn’t disagree that we both wanted a world that worked for everyone and that being kind was paramount. I give due measure of credit to Dennis for making my years at Parks successful. That success meant many more friendships and the economic security that I enjoy today as a retiree. Dennis’ family: wife Terry(kind and welcoming like Dennis), his children Matt(a fine man who does his Dad proud, and daughter Lisa(always kind and sweet to me in the rare times that I have seen her since she grew up), must be suffering this loss greatly. Peace to you Terry, Matt, and Lisa. I observed that Dennis was a deeply spiritual man. He saw God reflected in everyone and he served the people of his community in that Spirit. As Van Morrison sings, “Spirit don’t ever die…”.
Lori Charette says:
April 3, 2020
Hello from Alaska!
Jim and I wanted to tell everyone just how how special you and Terry are to us. You are you’d be making that trip to Alaska this summer, I never “counted you out” as you so quickly pointed out to me. Thank you for always being there for Kent. That has been huge to me. You have loved us both unconditionally and for that I will always be grateful Dennis. When we were certain you weren’t going we were super happy to bring a little of Alaska to you a few short weeks ago! It was a honor and privilege getting to know you and Terry.
We have always known just how special you truly are. I”m not one to talk in the past tense because you will always be alive in our hearts.
You definately put up the good fight my friend and like you said, “don’t count me out” just yet and we didn’t Safe travels to you. and the next time I see the Northern Lights from our deck I’ll know you made it safely to your forever destination. Lori Charette Kasilof Alaska
Kent Charette says:
April 4, 2020
Dennis is one in a trillion and I’m not kidding, the love I have for this man can’t be measured in words. Dennis thank you for being an amazing father to your children, an exceptional grandfather to your 9 grand kids. The world lost an amazing soul today however heaven received another Angel. Please watch over us all and no our hearts are broken right now but we also know your in a better place. Love you Dennis I will never forget you and will be excited once you meet me at those Pearly gates!