Gary Woodrow Conn

GARY WOODROW CONN 77, of Roseburg, Oregon passed away Friday, January 6, 2017 at his home. He was born October 24, 1939 to H.W. "Tim" and Faye Conn. Gary graduated from Roseburg High School in 1957. Gary grew up on a farm in Garden Valley. On August 31, 1959 he married Barbara J. Forbes. Gary owned and operated Conn Excavating for 10 years. In 1965 he was the regional winner of the Massey Ferguson Backhoe Hodeo in Portland, Oregon, which is a competition for backhoe operators. He then competed at the national competition held in Detroit, Michigan. Gary worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator for Roseburg Paving, Eugene Sand and Gravel and area contractors until he retired at age 62. He was a man of many interests and talents which included raising Polled Herefords, welding, old cars, collecting heavy equipment models, drag racing, cooking, traveling the back roads of Oregon, his grandkids and great grandkids and hiking Central and Eastern Oregon with various family members. Gary kept a daily diary for over 50 years. They were a family reference for many years. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Barbara J. Conn; son Donald Conn (Barb); daughters Susan Miller (Rusty), Carole Whitehead (James) and Sandra Conn; 4 grandchildren Jamie, Chelsy, Ashley and Kiel; 2 great granddaughters Hannah and Taylor; nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Faye and Tim; sisters Lynette and Lola and brothers Lee "Skeet" and Brad. A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Vine Street Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in Gary's name to Fir Point Bible Camp, P.O. Box 1058, Glendale, Oregon 97442. Please visit www.wilsonsonschapeloftherosesfh.com to leave the family fond memories and condolences.