Theodore Richard "Ted" Conner

1942 - 2025

Bow - Theodore "Ted" Richard Conner was born in Bellingham, WA on July 20, 1942, to Andrew and Lucille (Lemer) Conner. He passed away on April 14, 2025, at the age of 82 at his home in Bow.

Ted grew up on Guemes Island and in the Bow area with his older brother Steve and younger sister Andrea. He graduated from Burlington-Edison High School in 1962. While in high school he worked on the farm of Willard Streeter and lived a short time with the Osbornes on Bow Hill and became a life-long friend with daughters Sharon and Shirley.

In 1962 and 1963 he went to Alaska fishing on Jim Costanti's Purse Seiner. He was drafted into the Army in 1964 and served two years. When he returned home, he worked for Scott Paper Co. in the logging industry for 17 years.

Ted married Nancy (Hopley) Conner in 1970. They were married for 24 years, and they had 3 children: Andrew and twins, Debra and Dennis (Buck) Conner.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, brother Steve and son Dennis.

Ted was an avid sportsman and enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Canada, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho in pursuit of fish and wildlife. He was an amazing storyteller and enjoyed his time in camp reliving adventures of past pursuits. Ted and his brother Steve would hold court and retell stories of life on the farm, hunting, fishing, and horse packing expeditions and would have all who listened holding their sides from laughter

During retirement, his grandchildren became his passion, and he would travel to visit them, always making time to tell stories and listen to theirs. He would often call or visit his grandkids looking for an update on their latest adventure.

Ted was an active gardener and enjoyed his perfect weed-free garden. Neighbors and family shared its bounty, and there were always cabbage, garlic, and corn for whoever stopped by to visit. A running joke with friends and family was to tell Ted that they spotted a weed in his garden just to see him go and make sure he hadn't missed one.

Ted married Cheryl (Peterson) in 2003. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; son, Andrew (Carolyn) and daughter, Debra (Bill Hartley); sister, Andrea (Mike) Rogers; stepdaughters, Christi Kinney and Cathi Troha. Grandchildren: Aly (Josh) Bullar, Dylan and Duke Ploeg, Archie and Iver Conner, Alexandria (Bryan) Reed, Jacob, McKaylah and Nicholas Kinney and great-granddaughter, Robyn Reed.

He made friends easily and enjoyed greatly the relationships he had made over the years. If you knew Ted, you know he was a friend indeed

Graveside services will be held on May 3, 2025, at Bow Cemetery at 11 o'clock and officiated by Pastor John Guthridge of Edison Lutheran Church. Celebration of Life will follow at TRICO Co, 15066 Josh Wilson Rd, Burlington, WA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Northwest Foundation at 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273. Phone number 360-814-5702