Ray "Hop" Connor

Ray "Hop" Connor, Anishinaabeg name of "Miskokamig", age 48, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Monday, September 22, 2025, at his home under the loving care of his family and HIA Hospice.

Ray Daniel Connor, the son of Esther Connor and Ray Londo, was born on June 11, 1977, in Bemidji MN. As an infant, he moved with his family to the Minneapolis area, before returning a few years later to Northern Minnesota. Hop spent much of his childhood in the Bemidji community, where he attended elementary school, and later moved to Grand Portage. He attended Cook County High School, proudly graduating with the class of 1995.

Throughout his life, Hop worked as a Blackjack dealer and CD Counselor, but he always knew that firefighting was his true calling. In the late 1990s, he began his career as a wildland firefighter with the BIA and DNR. Over the years, he honed his skills, earned advanced qualifications, and found deep purpose in the work he loved. Above all, Hop's greatest pride and joy were his children. Becoming a father inspired him to live with intention and give his best every day. He was baptized and humbly gave his heart to the Lord proudly living as a Christian. He enjoyed the daily tasks of being a dad and fiercely adored his granddaughter. He had a brilliant mind and a gift for remembering details, particularly when it came to weather and countless other subjects. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, ricing, and leeching. Even as he faced health challenges in recent years, Hop never lost his smile or his positive outlook.

Hop will be remembered for his strength, intelligence, and devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ray is survived by his wife, Stephanie Turner; his children: Raeanna Connor, Ray Connor Jr., and Lynnea Turner; one granddaughter, Giizhibaa; his parents, Ray Londo and Esther Connor; three brothers: Greg Connor, Michael Connor, and Emiliano Rodriguez; two sisters, Dawn Kier and Serena (Jesse) Bommersbach; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Hop was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Bunker and Aaron Turner; special aunt, Lorraine "Itchy" Connor; his grandparents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Funeral Services will be held at the St. Anne's Catholic Church in Naytahwaush, on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 pm. Burial will take place at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery in Naytahwaush, MN.