Doran "Bus" Connor

Doran Bus Connor "left it all on the court" when he passed away on January 31, 2026 in Boise, Idaho. Bus died peacefully after 93 active years of life. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, coach, and good friend to everyone - young and old.

Bus, a true Idaho native, was born to Louis and Ruby Connor (Winn) on November 28, 1932 in Heyburn, Idaho. He graduated from Heyburn High School in 1951. Bus attended Idaho State University and graduated in 1955. He later earned a masters degree from Utah State University.

Bus married Nadene Sigman on March 24, 1954 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They had five children together. He subsequently married Sandy Ogden and Susan Golden.

Bus was a phenomenal multi-sport athlete in high school and college. He played football, baseball, and basketball at Idaho State University and was inducted into the ISU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980.

Bus devoted most of his life to coaching and teaching young people at numerous high schools and colleges in the state of Idaho. Most notably, he spent eight years as the head coach for the Boise State University men's basketball program from 1972 to 1980. He led the Broncos to the Big Sky Conference Championship and their first ever NCAA tournament appearance in 1976. During his time at BSU he had the unique privilege of coaching two of his sons - Steve and Bret.

Bus was also a legendary Idaho chukar hunter and dog lover for more than 40 years. Bus walked many fellow hunters (young and old) into the ground up and down the hills of Idaho and Oregon - well into his 80s- each swearing never to hunt with Bus Connor again... except the real chukar hunters. You know who you are.

Bus loved: watching basketball games, joking with referees, his beloved dogs, hunting, fishing, dancing, a cold beer with his friends (most of them half his age), and a good whiskey at 5 PM. He was a kind and generous man. He lived a simple life and had everything he needed. His life was rich. It was filled with many family members, friends, and neighbors who loved and cared for him.

His children would like to express their deepest gratitude and love to all of you for being so kind and so good to their dad. They would also like thank the palliative and hospice caregivers and many hospital team members who cared for Bus over the past few years. We appreciate you all.

Bus was preceded in death by his son, Steve. He is survived by four children, Tyler, Bret (Becky), Lisa, and Tommy (Kathryn), 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Bus died of old age, but he wasn't one of the "old people". He was the youngest 93-year-old who ever lived.

A celebration of life will take place at the BSU Bronco Gym (old gym), 1404 Bronco Lane, Boise, Idaho, on Saturday, February 21st from 5:30-7:30PM. Please join us to raise one last glass in honor of Coach Connor.