Harry James Connors

1931 - 2010

Harry was born on January 5, 1931, in Flushing, Queens, New York to Edward F. and Edna (Lehman) Connors. He passed away on June 28, 2010, surrounded by loved ones. He was the youngest of three boys.
Harry had a life-long love for animals and purchased his first horse as a teenager. He built an arena near his home for his club to use for rodeos. At each event, they would pass the hat to collect donations to aid handicapped children.
He continued his rodeo career by participating in shows up and down the East coast, but was most fond of riding on his home turf at Madison Square Garden. Harry was a member of the Turtle Club and the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) from 1951–1957. An All-Around Cowboy, Harry participated in the Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Calf Roping and the Wild Horse Racing events with his good friends Casey Tibbs, Jim Shoulders, Toke Palladino, and many others. He was also a staunch supporter of High School Rodeo.
In 1951, while competing at the Boston Garden, he received a call from his brother telling him that he had a letter waiting at home for him from Uncle Sam. Upon his return, he found that it was a Draft letter from the Army. Having always admired the Marine Corps, he chose to enlist there instead. Harry was assigned to the Aviation Intelligence Division and also worked as a Naval currier during the Korean War. Harry attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and received the National Defense Service Medal and was Honorably Discharged in 1953.
He married Yvonne B. Adams in 1959. Together they settled in a home on Long Island, NY and raised four children. Harry supported his young family by working for A&P Supermarkets. He managed several stores over a 22 yr. career while continuing to be active in calf roping and playing men's league softball.
Harry loved all sports, but especially baseball. His loyalty never strayed from the NY Yankees.
In 1971, he turned his love of horses into a career by becoming a full time farrier. He was often referred to as "the man who could shoe any horse." Harry always longed for the West, and in 1982, he left Long Island with his family. They relocated to Spring Creek, NV to build their dream home, a log house called "Someday" on property they had purchased in 1976. He continued his shoeing career until his retirement in 1997. He is still remembered for always having a smile, a chuckle, and a never-ending supply of corny jokes.
Harry was preceded in death by his father Edward Francis Connors, mother Edna Connors, and brothers Edward and Kenneth Connors. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Yvonne B. Connors (Spring Creek), sons Keith C. Tilger (New Jersey), David S.Tilger (South Fork), Paul V. and Antoinette "Annette" Connors (Spring Creek), daughter Maureen E. and Randy Hager (Spring Creek), eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family gathering in celebration of his life will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry's name to the High School Rodeo Club of your choice.