Andrew “Andy” James Conner passed away at his home, February 26, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with COPD/emphysema. He wrote his own obituary, so without further ado, here are his final words:

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I am writing these words well in advance so that when my time finally comes, my family will be spared the details of having to do so after I’m gone. I’m sure they would write something nice about me and probably make up some story about how I accepted my fate and went out with grace and dignity. In reality, I’ll probably go out kicking and screaming, simply because I’m not quite ready to die.

It was always my desire that when the end was near to have four or five of my closest friends try and breathe life back into me. Since you are reading this, it is safe to say that idea didn’t work out so well.

So without further delay, here we go.

I was born in San Francisco on June 8, 1944. My father was stationed in Japan at the time (WWII) and at the age of six months, my mother took her little bundle of joy (that would be me) and we traveled by train north to Fortuna where we would stay with relatives. My father returned home in October of 1946, and the 3 of us moved to Rio Dell, where I was raised, and have always proudly called home.

Being raised and growing up in Rio Dell in the late 1940’s, all through the 1950’s and into the early 1960’s was a unique and wonderful experience. It seemed that the entire town was one large family and everybody cared about everyone else. It was such a happier and simpler time. From the Bellevue area in the northern part of town, to the end of the lane after crossing the little wooden bridge over Monument Creek at the southern end and everything in between, made it a special place. So did friends like Jerry Rye, Bob Henry, Tom Grundman, Carlo Branchini, Butch Nylander, Ted Hamilton, Larry Davis, Paul Barellies, Denny Barrote, Greg Ambrosini and others. Also throw in some of the good guys from Scotia, like John Sarginson, Tom Chandler and Bob Booth. I miss these guys and the good times we had. Simply put, it truly was a great place to grow up.

I attended Rio Dell Grammar School and graduated in 1958. Then on to Fortuna High School, graduating in 1962. In 1963, I enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged in 1966. I could comment on my working career after my discharge, but it would be rather boring. Let me sum it up by saying that it was different and a definite struggle at times. But our family survived and we learned a lot of life’s lessons along the way.

Now that I have come to understand, but not quite accept the fact that my time here is coming to an end, I have taken some time to reflect on what was and what could have been. “What was” were the times and situations that I thought I handled things well. “What could have been” is the realization that if I had the chance to do it over again, I would have tried harder to do better - been a better son, a better husband, a better father. A better brother, uncle, cousin and grandfather. Hindsight being 20-20, it is woulda, coulda, shoulda. Damn, it’s too late now. I just hope that I haven’t left anyone behind with hurt feelings.

As long as I am on this sentimental trip down memory lane, I would like to take this time to thank a few of the people who, in addition to my immediate family, helped and cared about me in my younger days. Most of them are not with us any longer, but it would give me satisfaction to let their children and perhaps grandchildren know just how much I appreciated them.

Thanks to my aunt and uncle Mary and Louie Rovai, my Godfather and Godmother Joe and Dolores Barrote, Norm and Dolly Ambrosini, Louie and Mary Barsanti and Linda Rovai. There were so many others. People such as Ralph and Mary Goddi, Elsie Barrote, Mary Bareilles, Gino and Evelyn Rovai, Max and Christine Borges, John and Virginia Barratti, Mary Branchini, Joe and Gloria Masini and Janet and Bruce Lewis. (Hello Connie, Jackie, and Danny)

I had better stop, because at this rate I will end up including everyone in the entire town. Good people all, and I learned a lot from them that no doubt, had a role in shaping me for my future.

On a more current note and in no particular order, I would like to acknowledge and give thanks to a few more people. Stay with me here for another minute or so, OK?

Rebecca Morris, Jodie Coleman and Dee Anderson for staying in touch and sending me the occasional email, it meant a lot guys. To everyone who dealt with me at North Coast Ophthalmology. You all treated me great and I appreciated that. Asa Shively at Edward Jones, thanks for all the good advice.

I’d also like to thank my producer, director and my agent … Oops, wrong speech. Sorry about that.

I wish I could have stayed around a while longer but it wasn’t meant to be. In case anyone is interested, in 2011, I was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD for short. It’s a catchall phrase for respiratory ailments, mine being emphysema. So as I write this in advance, I will assume that my death will be from complications relating to COPD, as compared to being hit by a runaway beer truck.

I am trying to fight the good fight and I think that I have done a pretty decent job so far, but damn, this is one tough disease! My condition is slowly getting worse and I know that there will come a time that the fight will be lost and the battle will be over. It is what it is.

All things considered, it has been a good life and an interesting journey. I’ve met a lot of people and made a lot of friends along the way. I’ve also been blessed with a loving wife, we were just shy of 55 years on March 6th, two super children, and four great grandkids. What more could you ask for, huh?

I was preceded in death by my wife, Linda Conner, just 5 short days before my own passing. My father Kenneth (Bill) Conner, mother Marguerite Micheli, stepfather Orlando Micheli, brother Angelo Micheli, sister Bettina Chittenden and my lovely and talented sister, Cleone Monson. Also not to be forgotten were three great dogs; Buddy, Tuffy and Charlie.

I am survived by my daughter Kristen Stewart and her husband Ernie, son Brooks Conner and his wife Tracie, my grandchildren, Samantha and Andrew Stewart, and Olivia and Madison Conner. I also leave behind my sister Neferti Kinser, and husband Craig, sister Charmaine Jordan, and brother-in-law Tom Monson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

For personal and sentimental reasons, my pallbearers will be; Craig Mitchell, Garette Gilliam, Al Bainbridge, Tom Monson, Gene Hanson, and Michael Landry. Honorary pallbearers will be; Angelo Micheli, James Doolan Kennedy, Jim McCusker, Jerry Rye, Ernie Stewart, Rodney Nelson, Ric Dias, Jim Snead, Bill Brinkman and Al Jones from Stewart, Mississippi. I know some of these people will not be available for one reason or another, but not to worry. It’s the thought that counts.

Well, boys and girls, dudes and dudettes, that’s about it for now. So let’s have heads up, smiles all around, and remember the good times. Humor me here, OK? Remember to play fair, share your toys, say please and thank you, and above all, treat each other with respect. If you do that, it truly would make the world a better place.

In Irish it’s Oiche mhaith, Gach duine. In Italian it’s Buona notte a tutti. It means goodnight everyone.

So, from the original lovely and talented, take care and maybe I will see you in the after life.

Go Dodgers!

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There will be a gathering to celebrate the lives of Andy & Linda, on March 15, 2025, at Gobles Mortuary, 560 12th St, in Fortuna, from noon to 2 p.m. We welcome friends and family to gather and share stories about our parents. There will be a viewing for Andy, followed by a small optional graveside ceremony at Table Bluff Cemetery. As Linda wished to be cremated, she will not have a viewing or graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please drink a toast with your loved ones, and be kind to one another.

We love and miss you so much.