Wallowa, Oregon
Sidney George Conner died on May 3, 2005. He was born Dec. 5, 1930, in Wallowa to Robert and Jennie Conner.
Mr. Conner graduated from Wallowa High School in 1948. He was class valedictorian and played football and basketball. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Korean War, and was discharged in 1955, after four years of service as an Aviation Electronics Technician.
He married Joyce Thomason on Nov. 24, 1955. He then attended Boise State College for two years, where he also played football. He transferred to the University of Washington, where he earned his degree in pharmacy in 1959.
Mr. Conner worked for eight years as the head pharmacist at Thrifty Drug in Walla Walla, Wash. In 1968, the Conners moved to Waitsburg, Wash., after purchasing a drug store and pharmacy there.
Mr. Conner received several awards for professionalism and community involvement. He served on the Waitsburg City Council, the Waitsburg Lions Club, volunteer ambulance and the Waitsburg Commercial Club, where he was president for a period of time.
He was a member of the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church. In 1995, he sold his business and retired to north Richland, Wash., to be closer to family.
Mr. Conner enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, bicycling and, especially, golfing. He golfed year-round, four days a week, never using a cart.
Mr. Conner is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joyce; his daughter Cassandra Leid and grandson Nick; his daughter Jennie DeVine, son-in-law Denny, and grandkids Danae, Jalen, and Jared; his daughter Mary Conner and son-in-law Rob Fermanich; his sister Bonnie Parrott of Walla Walla, Wash.; his sister Dorothy Coffelt of Missouri City, Texas; and his sister Louise Nelson of Walla Walla, Wash.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Jennie Conner; his sister Oleta Royer; his brother Don Conner; and his brother Joe Conner.
Services will be held at the Wallowa cemetery at 1 p.m. on May 14.
A potluck lunch will be served at the Methodist Church immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local Alzheimer’s foundation.
Wallowa County Chieftain, Thursday, May 12, 2005 (Photo with Obituary)
