Richard Connors Obituary
Richard (Dick) L Connors, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 9, 1940, a husband, father, teacher, school administrator, and life long track official, passed early on the morning of December 7th at the age of 73. His passing was just short of his 48th wedding anniversary to Shirley, his wife. Dick's life work, besides teaching children throughout the Jefferson Union School District for over 37 years, was being a track and field coach and official for over 50 years. His time on the track included coaching at Westmoor High School and with the Millbrae Lions Track Club. Dick yearly officiated dozens of high school, college and national level track meets. His resume includes multiple NCAA, National and International Championships. Dick worked two Olympic Games (Los Angeles and Atlanta) and in 2009 was inducted into the USA Track and Field (USATF) Officials Hall of Fame.
On campus, Dick taught and coached or was an administrator at Westmoor High, Colma Middle School, Ben Franklin Middle School and Daniel Webster Elementary School. He is survived by his wife Shirley, two brothers, three sons and seven grandchildren. A service will be held at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church on Friday December 13th at 2:00 p.m. Donations are being requested in lieu of flowers. Donations should be sent to USATF Pacific Association Foundation, 120 Ponderosa Court, Folsom, CA 95630 or the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Phil Leake
December 6, 2023
Dick, you were a great mentor to me and others. An inspiration to all officials in the Pacific Association USATF. You are remembered and missed.
Mark S. Weinberger
January 16, 2014
My principal at Benjamin Franklin Junior High School in 1980-81.
A good fellow who will be missed.
January 7, 2014
My track coach at Westmoor for cross country and track- 1969-1971.
RIP....
Jeff Krow (now living in Portland and a life long track fan-attending meets around the world..)
Al Jacobsmeyer
December 20, 2013
Dick- You will be missed by all. You were always a friend and a mentor. You were always a postive influence and willing to help new oficials. Your legacy will live in the track and field community for many generations. Thanks for being a friend.
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December 12, 2013
I am sorry for your loss,
Art Gates II
Mark Foyer
December 11, 2013
You greeted me the same way, "Hello Scribe." You taught me so much about how to run a track and cross-country meet. You are one of the reasons I am now a track and field official. I will never forget you.
Cleia Marize Francisco
December 10, 2013
I met him for the first time in Sacramento and I still remember his kind and friendly way to handle with us, my prayers to him and family!
A.Monique White
December 10, 2013
Dick was the most patient an easygoing person who always gave you encouragement and respect. On a very personal level I and ken will miss him very much he always gave so much of himself. My prayers to shirley and the family. We love you
Lawrie Robertson
December 10, 2013
Dick was one of the very best of the best. His personal interests came in second, always most concerned about our athletes (of all ages and competition levels) having a great competitive experience. A consummate professional, just seeing Dick and Shirley there gave everyone confidence the event was being done with excellence. He was the role model for all officials, and a wonderful colleague (and mentor to many of us). It was an honor to have known and learned so much from him. Our thoughts are with Shirley and his family.
December 10, 2013
I worked with Dick at many meets. He was always a positive voice and calm in the normally chaotic environment in the clerk's circle. Away from the track, Dick was the same. Always friendly and as helpful as possible. I remember two instance in particular. The first was a long walk we had during some free time at IUPUI before the 2006 National Championships. The other was unloading the hurdles from a trailer before the 2013 World Masters in Sacramento. Dick pitched in with a few others of us to unload that trailer in short order.
One of the greats.
December 10, 2013
Dick, You were a mentor so to many track and field officials and a friend to all. Your legacy will live in the track and field community for many generations. You will be sorely missed.
December 9, 2013
Dick, You will be missed by all of us officials in the Pacific Association. You are my good friend and mentor. You legacy will live on in all of the athletes and officials you've helped over the years. I'll miss you. Keep on trackin'...
Paula Everdell
December 9, 2013
How do you say goodbye to a man who was bigger than life? He has touched so many lives as a teacher. So many track and field officials claim him as their mentor as well as their friend. I will always cherish the time I was able to spend with Dick and Shirley. Dick's was a life well lived!
Sue Humphrey
December 9, 2013
You were a great official & will be missed.
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