Revelations 14:13 "Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them."
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"I have friends in every walk of life -- some lawyers, some doctors, some rich and some poor, some who are behind bars and some who put them there. I don't know how they got to their place in life, but I know they are my friends. I may not be the richest man in the world, but I am rich in friends, and you never turn your back on a friend." - Chris Conner
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JANUARY 2007 - by Otis Taylor, The State Newspaper
Conner's illness has united Columbia's go-your-own-way musical scene. He is facing his cancer much the way he writes songs -- by digging in. "Cancer doesn't know I'm a big, dumb country boy from Red Bank that's not going to quit. My role in the family has always been the pillar of strength." It will be until. Conner's strength comes from his faith and his son Ace and Kelly
"My big brother is my hero," said Brian Conner, who performs with Chris as the Conner Brothers and leads the rock band Villanova. "I wouldn't have picked up a guitar if it wasn't for him."
Conner's illness has united Columbia's go-your-own-way musical scene. He is facing his cancer much the way he writes songs -- by digging in. "Cancer doesn't know I'm a big, dumb country boy from Red Bank that's not going to quit. My role in the family has always been the pillar of strength." It will be until. Conner's strength comes from his faith and his son Ace and Kelly
"My big brother is my hero," said Brian Conner, who performs with Chris as the Conner Brothers and leads the rock band Villanova. "I wouldn't have picked up a guitar if it wasn't for him."
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March 10, 2007 - Musicians Rally Around Their Own - The State Newspaper
"Chris Conner has always been there for fellow musicians. Whenever there was a benefit for someone who was sick or needed financial help, he was the first to step up," Charlie Wilkie recalls. Conner, 36, also the former songwriter and lead singer for Sourwood Honey, has been a beacon the local music scene for more than 15 years. Now its time for musicians to play for him. "Because of the way he's lived his life, I think it's finally coming back around to him" former Sourwood Honey member Ryan Goforth said. "They're paying him back. He has always been a true, real person with all the local musicians." Conner says while he takes chemo, he reads letters from his fans "It lifts me up so much. I know I just got diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer, but I feel blessed." |
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"It's "It's overwhelming that one guy can touch so many people," said Chris Carney, the South's manager.
Following a benefit at Lexington Bistro with over a thounsand attendees, the community is sponsoring The Benefit in March. The Benefit brings together musicians like Josh Roberts, Patrick Davis, Danielle Howell and guitarist Mark Brown, and Brian Conner (Chris' younger brother) to perform their personal versions of Chris' music. All the support has humbled Conner.
Conner said, "I've never seen anything like it, and completely don't know why I deserve this kind of love."
Wilkie said, "It's beyond music with Chris, I think people see right through it into him. Chris has done nothing but gain friendship throughout his years in music. He deserves every ounce that is being given back."overwhelming that one guy can touch so many people," said Chris Carney, the South's manager.
Following a benefit at Lexington Bistro with over a thounsand attendees, the community is sponsoring The Benefit in March. The Benefit brings together musicians like Josh Roberts, Patrick Davis, Danielle Howell and guitarist Mark Brown, and Brian Conner (Chris' younger brother) to perform their personal versions of Chris' music. All the support has humbled Conner.
Conner said, "I've never seen anything like it, and completely don't know why I deserve this kind of love."
Wilkie said, "It's beyond music with Chris, I think people see right through it into him. Chris has done nothing but gain friendship throughout his years in music. He deserves every ounce that is being given back."overwhelming that one guy can touch so many people," said Chris Carney, the South's manager.
Kris Simonds Nov 22, 2007- "I know that Chris burst through the gates of Heaven last night, proclaiming, "My name's CC Conner. I'm a southern gentlemen. I've been called up by our heavenly Father to join the angel band."
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~Jeremy Gazella
A true warrior’s heart is tested without fail. He is one who is humble when times are good. He is the one who has resolve in the eyes of despair. Judged not in victory or defeat, But in the character in which he fights. Even the most courageous men fear the thought of no tomorrow. It’s the man who conquers this that leaves a lasting mark on the world. He takes a journey filled with triumphs and failures, Every step fueled by his endless faith and will. Embraced by the many that he touched on his way, Even when the end was near his love he gave. Thousands walked with him on his final mile. The man with blue eyes and a crooked smile. |
November 23, 2007 - The State
Chris Brought Everybody Together
Chris Conner held on so he could say goodbye his own way. He got to share final embraces, kisses on the cheek and say "I love you, too." Conner a musician who was winning a 10 month battle against lung cancer died of complications after surgery to alleviate blood clots. News of his death reverberated through the Midlands music scene like strummed guitar cords.
"Chris brought a lot of people back together" said Charles Wilkie of All-in-One Entertainment. He brought everybody together like that. Chris left a legacy for his family and those he knew and loved him. He just touched so many lives. Bentz Kirby said Chris dealt with reality and he was at pace. He had the capacity to make other people feel at ease. Through his life and music Conner left a lot to hold on to.
Patrick Davis summed it up in the song he wrote for Chris and Kelly "Love Can".
Chris was a man full of grace, courage and love. He made a difference.
Chris Brought Everybody Together
Chris Conner held on so he could say goodbye his own way. He got to share final embraces, kisses on the cheek and say "I love you, too." Conner a musician who was winning a 10 month battle against lung cancer died of complications after surgery to alleviate blood clots. News of his death reverberated through the Midlands music scene like strummed guitar cords.
"Chris brought a lot of people back together" said Charles Wilkie of All-in-One Entertainment. He brought everybody together like that. Chris left a legacy for his family and those he knew and loved him. He just touched so many lives. Bentz Kirby said Chris dealt with reality and he was at pace. He had the capacity to make other people feel at ease. Through his life and music Conner left a lot to hold on to.
Patrick Davis summed it up in the song he wrote for Chris and Kelly "Love Can".
Chris was a man full of grace, courage and love. He made a difference.
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Things That I Have To Say - by Brian J. Conner
I saw your face, Shine brightly and then fade away - Lost with the light of day As I wake, Replace reunion with a silent room - So much left to say Even though I can’t see you or hear you, I know that you’re okay Cause deep inside I feel it I just feel it, Remembering you say Things that I have to say I said is something that you can’t believe When my lifetime is gone, I still want you to talk to me When days become nights there is something you should see Look to the painted sky - And it will show you what was meant to be Keep on moving said reunion down the Road ways, Reunion, at the end of days But days and nights have moved so slowly since you’ve been away Now that I’m starting to see, These things that I have It’s been a lantern to me, These dreams that I have had, And so I wrote you this letter to read Late this morning “If this is how it ends, Let it be…” Let it be |
Chris' son Ace Connor walks to honor his dads memory.
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Peace on Earth - by Bentz Kirby (Dec 2007)
Alone in my home, I am not lonely. I give thanks for so many who can not be here with me.
Yet that separateness is in miles, or cities, or states, Not in worlds.
To think your grace is gone, Lifted from this world too soon, Lifted from this world too soon.
Could it be that your voice was needed elsewhere this Christmas? Somewhere beyond this veil?
Could it be that angels heard your voice so loud and deep declaring God does not sleep,
They declared a need to have you sing for them? Or maybe God himself?
To me, it seems cruel, yet I remember your words of peace,
your words of preparation, I remember you saying
You were ready, No matter what you faced, You knew.
To me, at this moment, it just seems cruel as if the wrong has in fact won. Then, I hear your voice
reminding me how wild and sweet is the peace of God. I hear your sniffle just before you play,
Your fate was sealed by that day and still you sang 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men.'
As I feel the trail down my cheeks and the bead of water spins down to my jaw,
It comes to me they fall for me and the mystery. I will see you no more here, but I feel a dance
somewhere beyond what I can see or know, Where all our energy dances as one.
The drying trail reminds me I cry for my loss, my sadness. As you remind me that God does not sleep
And you are there while here on earth your voice repeats, 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men '
Alone in my home, I am not lonely. I give thanks for so many who can not be here with me.
Yet that separateness is in miles, or cities, or states, Not in worlds.
To think your grace is gone, Lifted from this world too soon, Lifted from this world too soon.
Could it be that your voice was needed elsewhere this Christmas? Somewhere beyond this veil?
Could it be that angels heard your voice so loud and deep declaring God does not sleep,
They declared a need to have you sing for them? Or maybe God himself?
To me, it seems cruel, yet I remember your words of peace,
your words of preparation, I remember you saying
You were ready, No matter what you faced, You knew.
To me, at this moment, it just seems cruel as if the wrong has in fact won. Then, I hear your voice
reminding me how wild and sweet is the peace of God. I hear your sniffle just before you play,
Your fate was sealed by that day and still you sang 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men.'
As I feel the trail down my cheeks and the bead of water spins down to my jaw,
It comes to me they fall for me and the mystery. I will see you no more here, but I feel a dance
somewhere beyond what I can see or know, Where all our energy dances as one.
The drying trail reminds me I cry for my loss, my sadness. As you remind me that God does not sleep
And you are there while here on earth your voice repeats, 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men '
Sunshine - by Mom Sherry Kyanko
Hot wheels and puppies and a little red barn, Sand dunes and castles and spinning a yarn
You were my sunshine with your sky blue eyes and golden blond hair at just past two.
Tadpoles and mud holes and crickets and toys, Holey kneed jeans and days filled with joy,
You were my sunshine with your eyes of sky blue and golden blond hair at just past two.
Guitars and music and 12 mile creek, Perry and Martin and mud on your cheeks
You were my sunshine with your hair of gold with sky blue eyes and 10 years old.
Girls and movies and playing the blues, three Chris’s together missing curfews
You were my sunshine with your eyes of sky blue, just a lad of 16 standing
6 feet 2.
Loving and laughing and moving along giving the world the joy of your songs
You are my sunshine with your eyes of sky blue and I want you to know how much I love you.
Hot wheels and puppies and a little red barn, Sand dunes and castles and spinning a yarn
You were my sunshine with your sky blue eyes and golden blond hair at just past two.
Tadpoles and mud holes and crickets and toys, Holey kneed jeans and days filled with joy,
You were my sunshine with your eyes of sky blue and golden blond hair at just past two.
Guitars and music and 12 mile creek, Perry and Martin and mud on your cheeks
You were my sunshine with your hair of gold with sky blue eyes and 10 years old.
Girls and movies and playing the blues, three Chris’s together missing curfews
You were my sunshine with your eyes of sky blue, just a lad of 16 standing
6 feet 2.
Loving and laughing and moving along giving the world the joy of your songs
You are my sunshine with your eyes of sky blue and I want you to know how much I love you.
March 13, 2008 - a letter from Leigh Revere, a beautiful friend of Chris Conner’s, who died shortly after Chris.
"I know that it has been said that time heals all wounds, but I miss Chris more and more each day.
He was my friend and hero.
I met Chris on May 16, 2007...it was the first day of my chemo treatment. We had a tragic yet instant bond. Both in our mid 30's, parents of young children and a death sentence.
The thing I remember most about that first meeting is that he was so strong and so calm and peaceful at the same time. He told me I needed to calm down, I knew then he could sense my fear. It made it easier to go to the oncology center knowing he would be there and it was such an extra special treat when Kelly and Ace were there, too. Kelly so optimistic and full of strength and Ace spreading sunshine through the whole place.
Take a moment and think about what you loved most about Chris, what really drew you to him. Now make a commitment to incorporate some of that Chris Conner spirit into our own every day lives. I feel certain our world will be a better place. I also ask that we all analyze our own well being.
If you smoke - consider quitting, do it in honor of Chris. I know it is hard, so if you can't quit--- smoke outside and cut down the exposure of others to second hand smoke. Chris spent the last months of his life creating a beautiful calender about the awareness of second hand smoke. I know he would be proud if you could honor him in this way.
If you are sick---go to the doctor. Chris and I waited too long for a diagnosis. By the time we found out about the cancer we both were already in stage four. Try to live a healthier life ---eat your veggies, get enough rest, exercise. I know--blah blah blah. But I can tell you with certainty, you do not want to be a cancer patient. It is a horrific experience. It is hard on the patient and devastating to the family and friends. Chris was always concerned with his family's well being. I know it broke his heart to watch them suffer along side him. I don't want anyone to have to go through this, so please take care of yourselves.
As we all toast to C3 in November, think about all the love he gave to all and keep that spirit soaring.
Leigh Reveer
"I know that it has been said that time heals all wounds, but I miss Chris more and more each day.
He was my friend and hero.
I met Chris on May 16, 2007...it was the first day of my chemo treatment. We had a tragic yet instant bond. Both in our mid 30's, parents of young children and a death sentence.
The thing I remember most about that first meeting is that he was so strong and so calm and peaceful at the same time. He told me I needed to calm down, I knew then he could sense my fear. It made it easier to go to the oncology center knowing he would be there and it was such an extra special treat when Kelly and Ace were there, too. Kelly so optimistic and full of strength and Ace spreading sunshine through the whole place.
Take a moment and think about what you loved most about Chris, what really drew you to him. Now make a commitment to incorporate some of that Chris Conner spirit into our own every day lives. I feel certain our world will be a better place. I also ask that we all analyze our own well being.
If you smoke - consider quitting, do it in honor of Chris. I know it is hard, so if you can't quit--- smoke outside and cut down the exposure of others to second hand smoke. Chris spent the last months of his life creating a beautiful calender about the awareness of second hand smoke. I know he would be proud if you could honor him in this way.
If you are sick---go to the doctor. Chris and I waited too long for a diagnosis. By the time we found out about the cancer we both were already in stage four. Try to live a healthier life ---eat your veggies, get enough rest, exercise. I know--blah blah blah. But I can tell you with certainty, you do not want to be a cancer patient. It is a horrific experience. It is hard on the patient and devastating to the family and friends. Chris was always concerned with his family's well being. I know it broke his heart to watch them suffer along side him. I don't want anyone to have to go through this, so please take care of yourselves.
As we all toast to C3 in November, think about all the love he gave to all and keep that spirit soaring.
Leigh Reveer
