April 11, 1928 - January 22, 2022
Donald Francis Connors peacefully left this earth early on the morning of January 22nd, 2022, at the age of 93. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Judith Ann (Ireland) Connors and his children Mike (Deborah) Connors of Nanaimo, BC, Kathleen Connors-Lunz of New York, Colin (Julie) Connors of Marquette, Michigan and his cherished grandchildren Jessica, Jordan, Michaela, Jack, and Elaina.
Don was born to Bernard & Alice Connors in Edmonton, Alberta and received his education in Red Deer and Halifax. As a young boy, he played football and track and field and served with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. He briefly attended the University of Alberta but as many a young man at the time, found the allure of the newly emerging oil fields in Northern Alberta too great to resist and spent several years there as a surveyor and blaster.
It was in Vancouver in 1960, that he met Judith Ann Ireland, recently arrived from Toronto to work at Vancouver General as an Occupational Therapist and were married in October 1961. Don and Judy lived in several locations in Western Canada until ultimately calling Kamloops their home for more than 40 years until moving to Nanaimo. Don was employed for many years a Sales Associate with Proto Tools, CFJC radio and an Agent for Federated Insurance and a Broker with Martin and McDermid Insurance.
Apart from his family, Don had two great passions, playing music (most notably Dixieland Jazz) and his service to others. At the age of 14, he played clarinet with the Halifax symphony and was a member of the renowned Kamloops Rube Band for more than 40 years, travelling the world entertaining countless audiences. He was a life member with the Associated Canadian Travelers.
Through his desire to serve others, he devoted countless hours of his time to both these organizations to ensure their legacy continued. After retiring to Nanaimo, he continued his passion for music as a member of the Bowen Park Swing Band and service as a member and occasional bar tender of the 808 Wing in Nanaimo.
Don was described by many as a true gentleman - having grown up during an era where manners, courtesy, respect, and compassion were paramount. Always quick to engage others, his only motive being to make a new friend or extend kindness and warmth to an old one.
He was a loving husband to Judy and devoted father to not only his children but to many a teenager who found their way through the back door of 179 West Battle or the cabin at Little Shuswap. He carried that same devotion to his grandchildren and became a "second grandad" to many of their friends.
He will be greatly missed, but his spirit and grace will live on through the family and friends who he has touched throughout his life.
In accordance with his wishes, no funeral is planned however a celebration of Don's life will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Canadian Mental Health Association Club House Program of Kamloops, British Columba.