Richard Connors (1940 - 2013) Obituary

Resident of San Mateo, CA

Richard (Dick) L Connors, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 9, 1940, a husband, father, teacher, school administrator, and life long track official, passed early on the morning of December 7th at the age of 73. His passing was just short of his 48th wedding anniversary to Shirley, his wife. Dick's life work, besides teaching children throughout the Jefferson Union School district for over 37 years, was being a track and field coach and official for over 50 years. His time on the track included coaching at Westmoor High School and with the Millbrae Lions Track Club. Dick yearly officiated dozens of high school, college and national level track meets. His resume includes multiple NCAA, National and International Championships. Dick worked two Olympic Games (LA and Atlanta) and in 2009 was inducted into the USA Track and Field (USATF) Officials Hall of Fame.

On campus, Dick taught and coached or was an administrator at Westmoor High, Colma Middle, Ben Franklin Middle, and Daniel Webster Elementary Schools. He is survived by his wife Shirley, two brothers, three sons and seven grandchildren. A service will be held at Menlo Park Presbyterian on Friday Dec 13th at 2:00 p.m.

Donations are being requested in lieu of flowers. Donations should be sent to USATF Pacific Association Foundation, 120 Ponderosa Court, Folsom, CA 95630.

Guest Book
December 10, 2013
Dick was the most patient an easygoing person who always gave you encouragement and respect. On a very personal level I and ken will miss him very much he always gave so much of himself. My prayers to shirley and the family. We love you
~ A.Monique White, collegeville, Pennsylvania

December 10, 2013
Dick was one of the very best of the best. His personal interests came in second, always most concerned about our athletes (of all ages and competition levels) having a great competitive experience. A consummate professional, just seeing Dick and Shirley there gave everyone confidence the event was being done with excellence. He was the role model for all officials, and a wonderful colleague (and mentor to many of us). It was an honor to have known and learned so much from him. Our thoughts are with Shirley and his family.
~ Lawrie Robertson, Issaquah, Washington

December 10, 2013
I worked with Dick at many meets. He was always a positive voice and calm in the normally chaotic environment in the clerk's circle. Away from the track, Dick was the same. Always friendly and as helpful as possible. I remember two instance in particular. The first was a long walk we had during some free time at IUPUI before the 2006 National Championships. The other was unloading the hurdles from a trailer before the 2013 World Masters in Sacramento. Dick pitched in with a few others of us to unload that trailer in short order.

One of the greats.

December 10, 2013
Dick, You were a mentor so to many track and field officials and a friend to all. Your legacy will live in the track and field community for many generations. You will be sorely missed.
December 09, 2013
Dick, You will be missed by all of us officials in the Pacific Association. You are my good friend and mentor. You legacy will live on in all of the athletes and officials you've helped over the years. I'll miss you. Keep on trackin'...

December 09, 2013
How do you say goodbye to a man who was bigger than life? He has touched so many lives as a teacher. So many track and field officials claim him as their mentor as well as their friend. I will always cherish the time I was able to spend with Dick and Shirley. Dick's was a life well lived!
~ Paula Everdell
December 09, 2013
You were a great official & will be missed.
~ Sue Humphrey, Austin, Texas