Henry David Connor

Henry David Connor, age 84, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, Sunday, January 27, 2008 at his home in Overgaard, Arizona. Henry, known to all as "Dave", was born February 2, 1923 in Madison, Maine to the late David and Kathryn (Cyr) Connor. Much of Dave's life revolved around the military, joining the U.S. Army at the age of 16 and remaining in active duty until the end of World War II. Years later, he served with the U.S. Army Reserve unit in Phoenix, Arizona where he rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major prior to his retirement in 1978. He met and married his lovely wife of 63 years, Dorothy Walley "Dottie" in 1944. Prior to becoming a permanent resident of Overgaard, Arizona, nearly 30 years ago, Dave held positions at The Hines VA Hospital in Illinois, weighmaster for Kennecott Copper in New Mexico and served in the U.S. Army Reserves in Phoenix in both a military and civilian capacity. He was well-known and loved by many in the Heber-Overgaard area and always was ready with a laugh, engaging in good-natured ribbing in his New England accent. Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Dottie; 2 sons: James Daniel and Eugene Douglas Connor; 5 grandchildren: Brian Connor, Becky Bruza, Melanie Fadley, Scott Connor, Michael Connor; 1 great-granddaughter, Lilah Bruza; and 1 sister, Katherine Morais of Maine. He is preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn Connor and a sister, Ruth Johnson. Private family services will be held Saturday morning, February 2, 2008 at the Show Low Cemetery. A memorial celebration will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the American Legion post in Overgaard, which will include an honor guard and flag presentation. The Connor Family invites all who knew Dave to join in a celebration of his life as well as what would have been Dave's 85th birthday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name to RTA Hospice and Palliative Care, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, Arizona 85929, have been suggested by his family.