Conor Steele Smith

Our precious Conor was born on July 18, 1997, to his beautiful birth mother, Heather. Heather could have made other choices, but we are forever blessed that she chose adoption and us as his family. We were given the gift of parenting this amazing, intelligent, creative, and funny human being.

Three and a half years later, Conor's brother Blair joined our family and made us whole. Often, they didn't 'like' each other much, but they always loved one another.

Conor was Oglala Sioux, Apache, and Mexican American by birth. We did our best to expose our boys to Native culture by attending Pow Wows, and through Native art and books.

Conor attended St. Rose Catholic School in Longview from K–7, where he was given his faith, foundation, and superior education. He was a handful at times, and we're so grateful to those who challenged him, gave him structure, and loved him. You know who you are. God bless you.

On to R.A. Long High School, where he attended mostly AP classes and excelled on the tennis team. He was active in starting up the "Pride" club there. He attended Discovery School for the remainder of his time at R.A. Long.

I have learned so much about him since his passing from those whose lives he touched. When I ask how they met Conor, the common reply revolves around him fixing their cars.

Conor was obsessed with both cars (specifically European) and vacuum cleaners. He loved repairing them both. He loved finding broken vacuum cleaners to restore and saving cars from the junkyard.

Conor came out in eighth grade. I was so proud of his authenticity. He was true to himself and never worried about others' judgment. For that, he was loved.

In the Native culture, it is revered to be gay, as one embodies both the male and female spirit. These two spirits come together and are released when the human body is no longer needed.

I pray that Conor's life and death teach us peace, love, tolerance, and acceptance. Hate and fear have no place in our lives. That he loved and was loved by so many gives us joy. Please keep him in your hearts and know that he is looking down on us with a big, beautiful smile.

He leaves behind his loving family, parents, Brian Smith, Terri Christie Smith and brother, Blair Steele Smith.

Please revisit this site as more information will be available regarding the celebration of life in Longview, WA.

Please keep his memory alive by donating to St. Rose Catholic School and/or the Cowlitz Tribal health and youth programs.