Donald Timothy O'Connor

Donald Timothy (Tim) O’Connor, 74, of Paisley, Oregon, passed away in the early morning of Saturday, June 17, 2023. Tim was born June 29, 1948, in Lakeview, Oregon, to Timothy (Ted) O’Connor and Ethel Honnold O’Connor. He was the eldest of 4, having 2 brothers and one sister.

After graduating with the Lakeview Class of 1966, he immediately enlisted and served as a Sargent E-5 in the United States Marine Corps, as a tracked vehicle repairman, and as an engineering equipment mechanic. He served in the Vietnam War, where he earned a Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, a Vietnam Service medal, a Vietnam Campaign medal, a Rifle Marksmanship medal, a Pistol Sharpshooter medal, a Navy Achievement medal, a National Defense Service medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon, along with his Honorable discharge. Being a patriot was something that he took very seriously, standing with his hand over his heart anytime the national anthem played, even if it was just a rodeo re-run on tv.

As a young and wild man, Tim enjoyed the thrill of fast cars and green horses, and together they seemed untamable.

After his service in the war, Tim met and married Kay Ann Simmons, of Lakeview, OR on October 31, 1970. They settled in Lakeview, where they welcomed 2 lovely daughters, Michelle and Dalena. As fates would have it, the union wouldn’t last.

Tim met and danced his way into the heart of Martha Pole Cannon. They were married on June 9, 1979, in Reno, Nevada and he gained more 3 daughters. They then moved to Montana.

Tim would take his family to many places over the years, between Montana and Oregon, while he worked on different ranches, supporting them while having the bonus of feeding his passion for horses and the land. Throughout the years he would also add logging and carpentry to his belt of careers. What a wonderful life it was, to be able to support his family in the jobs that brought him so much joy. Eventually, they returned to Lake County permanently. His wife’s faith in God brought him to accept Jesus as his Savior, and he continued to grow and strengthen his life in Christ at his home church in Paisley.

Tim was nothing short of an incredible and inspiring man of God, that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will continue to look up to. He will be remembered for being a man who could do it all and a man who gave his whole heart to his family and friends. Worked hard all day and still came home to wrestle with grandkids, teaching them to fish or ride horses, play long Montana rummy games, and created the memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

Tim is preceded in death by his parents Ted & Ethel, a great-grandson, Trevor Garcia; and his loving wife of 44 years, Martha, who passed away just 34 short days before him.

He is survived by his brothers Richard (Tammy) O’Connor of Pinedale, WY, Jerry (Janet) O’Connor of Redding/Cottonwood, CA, his sister Hallie Woods of Dillon, MT, 5 daughters Sherry (Bill) Cleland of Adel, OR, Tammie Cannon Ellifritz of Lakeview, OR, Janet (Shawn) Jones of Dillon, MT, Michelle O’Connor Howard of Klamath Falls, OR and Dalena O’Connor of Klamath Falls, OR; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial service to be held at the Paisley Community Center, Friday, July 14, 2023, at 11 am; with a potluck meal to follow.

Memorial contributions can be made in Tim’s memory to the Paisley Youth Rodeo Association PO Box 252 Paisley, OR 97636, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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