Robert Jean "RJ or Rob" Conner

November, 4 1926 - August 24, 2018

Robert Jean Conner, known to many as RJ or Rob, was a rock of support to many. He had a full and rewarding life sharing his values of love and hard work with his own and extended family.
Born to Ross and Alice Conner in Grand Valley, Colorado on November, 4 1926, Rob was the youngest; brother to Eleanor, Marion, and Roselle. The family moved to Idaho when he was a young boy. He was not quite 17 when he enlisted in the US Navy. His tour of duty took him throughout the South Pacific. Rob was in service for nearly 3 years with an honorable discharge on December 27, 1945.
Rob married Loreen Meyers in 1943. They had two sons, Bob and Clint. Unfortunately Loreen died at a very young age, leaving a young family to raise. Rob married Beverly Thomas (Clayton) in 1952, the family grew to include Beverly's children Sherry, Cindy, and Deanie. In 1954 daughter Debbie joined the family.
In 1962, a new adventure began, when Rob and Carl Piper moved their families to Canada. The move came with the opportunity to own their own land. Rob's oldest son Bob, newly married to Lois Riddle and beginning his US Naval Career did not move with the family. Shortly after the move to Canada, Rob and Beverly's lives took different directions when they divorced.
Over the years Rob's extended family grew to include the Hawryluk bunch (Debbie, Michael, Pat, Dan, Ralph, Leslie, Joanne, and Scott) and they were a big part of Rob's life, resulting in fond memories and a lifelong connection.
On April 8, 1974, Rob married Phyllis Kennedy. They were married 25 years until Phyllis passed in July 1999. To Phyllis's children, he was 'Rob' or 'Dad' to Debbie (Jim), Faye (Mike), Cindy (Phil), and Owen (Jane); 'Grampa' to Samantha (Mike), Steven (Sarah), Jamie (Crystal), Matt (Lisa), Savanah, and Lane; 'Great Grampa' to Paige, Sarah, Henry, Madison, and Lillian.
In 2001, Rob and Lora Wall became partners. He was known as 'Rob', 'Dad' or 'Mr. C' to Lora's children Chalen, Monty, Wendy (Jim), Tracey and Mark (Micky); 'Grampa' or 'Grampa Gringo', to Brock, Spencer (Erin), Dawson, Logan, Slade, Dalton, and Tanner (Kenadie).
To his own children, he was 'Dad' to Bob (Lois) Conner, Clint (Liz) Conner, Debbie (Darold) Fellers, and Deanie Mackwell; 'Grampa' to Tony (Fawn), Tim and Steve, Ross (Shannon), Chris (Jessica), Kyler (Megan), 'Papa' to Kiana (Calvin); 'Grampa Rob' to Tracy, Nikki, Kevin, Cory, Parker and Darryn; 'Great Grampa' to Tiffany (Tony) and Rachael (Liam); 'Great-Great Grampa' to Natalie, Nelson, Aiden and Braven; father-in-law to Rick; and Uncle Rob to many nieces and nephews.
Rob farmed and ranched most of his life, along with various other jobs, including logging, raising cattle and 14 years as manager of an Alberta Wheat Pool, retiring from the Pool in July 1989. For many years, summers kept him busy with custom haying throughout the community, including this summer when he gathered up the last hay bales on August 17. Active and independent all of his 91 years, 9 months and 20 days, Rob passed suddenly on the evening of August 24, 2018 in Dawson Creek, BC with family by his side. Bye for now, Rob, RJ, Dad, Mr. C, Uncle Rob, Grampa, Grampa Rob, Papa, Grampa Gringo, Great-Grampa, Great-great-Grampa. Love you always! Rob's family wish to thank the family, friends, and neighbors who attended his Celebration of Life at the Cutbank Community Hall on September 1. The families who travelled so far for such a short stay, the donations of food, flowers, cards, phone calls, and messages of condolences and kind words will always be treasured. Thank you to all who sent pictures and to Kiana for putting the slides and music together. To Ross and Chris for leading the celebration. Those who shared memories and stories, made us laugh or cry was wonderful. Special thanks to paramedics Dawn and Tom, Dr. Vik, Dr. Sakaria, Dr. D. Botha, and the nurses at the Dawson Creek Hospital for their care the day that Dad was in the hospital.
Expressions of sympathy may be made by donation to the South Peace SPCA, 637 114 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, V1G 3A1.
For more information or to leave condolences for the family, please go to www.bergeronfunerals.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.