Dennis J. Conner
June 04, 1952 - April 01, 2020
Bellingham, WA
- Share:
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!”.
No Events & Services
No Charities & Donations
39 responses to Dennis J. Conner
Michael Wibbens says:
April 8, 2020
Dennis was a long time friend on my family. He was also my mentor. His simple and honest advise is something I cary with me to this day. I would not have accomplished near as much with out his guildance and support. He will be missed and the world is a little emptier without him.
Darren Erickson says:
April 8, 2020
So sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing, my condolences to the family. Dennis’s effect on my life is very similar to many others, I suspect. As a wayward youth, Dennis provided guidance that has lasted throughout my life. He was the perfect combination of patience, contemplation, and humor when dealing with even the most troubled of youth, truly a wonder to watch and an example to so many others without that positive influence in their life. As I watched Matt’s eulogy, I was reminded of the many days spent working at Lake Samish Park, building boardwalks at Pine and Cedar Lakes, and cutting firewood with him at the south end of the lake. He truly was a great role model and mentor, and I am not surprised that Dennis affected others in the same manner. Thank you Dennis for your lifelong commitment to helping others, and thank you Matt for the inspiring recollection of his life.
Rich Bowers says:
April 9, 2020
I am so glad to have met Dennis and gotten to work with him. Dennis was a co-worker, friend and inspiration to me and to everyone associated with the Whatcom Land Trust. Dennis made a real difference at the Trust, and in protecting and stewarding a love of land. Most importantly, Dennis made us laugh at ourselves and he was such an important part of our team each and every day.
Tom Hoban says:
April 9, 2020
I had the distinct honor and pleasure of working with Dennis at the Land Trust. We would meet on Wednesday and work on projects in and around the offices, we even on occasion got something done, however we always told great stories and laughed a lot. I felt like I was a member of the three amigos, Dennis, Marshal and I. I truly miss those times. From the moment I met Dennis I felt like we were lifelong friends and I feel a deep sense of loss.
Godspeed my brother Dennis Godspeed and thanks for your wonderful friendship.
Penny Seek says:
April 9, 2020
Dearest Lisa and Matt,
I am so very sorry that you and your children lost your dad so early on in your lives. Watching your eulogy Matt, and your heart-felt words left me remembering how much it reminded me of your dad. Having met in 1968 as we opened a new high school, your dad was such a kind and thoughtful classmate. We became friends easily in our teens, as he was a real gentleman even before he had time to grown into a real man.
We attended each other’s weddings and Bryce and I enjoyed taking our boys to Hovander Park on our way to our Birch Bay cabin in the summers. Your dad was so very gracious and oh, was he ever so proud of you two-who were still very small at the time.
Your dad’s love of life and dedication to you kids and the career he loved, was clear. Watching your loving eulogy makes it clear he left an incredible legacy and you will pass that on to his grandchildren in the many memories and stories of what “made him tick”.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and pray you find the comfort in the knowledge that your dad is remembered so fondly by this high school friend and so many others.
Gone way too soon, but grateful he is free from anymore pain and in God’s arms now.
Love to you both,
Penny & Bryce Seek