Daniel Connors is one of those people who shows up when needed, on time and always with a smile. He doesn’t expect credit, and it wasn’t until we started looking for pictures of him did we realize just how many Candlelighters events he has been part of – Golf to Give (left, with his son, Boards Member Cory Connors) Candy Cane Lane, & twice monthly Doernbecher Dinners to name just a few. Daniel answered some of our questions about his life and dedication to volunteering. Thank you, Daniel for volunteering your time and energy to Candlelighters!
Tell us where you are from, and little about your work and family.
My wife and I were born in Portland, and lived near each other but didn’t meet until High School. We have been married 49 years. Our 4 children and 9 grandchildren, all live within the Portland metro area. We do a lot of family stuff. For work I was a VP-Sales for an automation company, travelling North America for over 20 years. After the 9/11 tragedy, travelling was no fun, and I worked as a longshoreman, operating the heavy equipment used to load and unload ships until retirement 5 years ago.
How did you get involved with candlelighters?
My son, Cory Connors is on the Candlelighters board, and let me know when there was a need for someone to fill a volunteer spot. I enjoy helping with the golf tournament, Christmas programs and especially the dinners at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. (Left, with Candlelighters Staff Ruth Lorente and Angela Griffin-Meyers)
What is it about Candlelighters mission that you feel most connected to?Â
I am a 3 time cancer survivor, and thank God every day that my kids and grandkids aren’t affected by any medical problems.When a family member is diagnosed with a medical problem, the whole family is affected. There are thousands of opportunities out there to volunteer with, and I can’t help all of them. Candlelighters works with families, and I am a family man.
What’s been your favorite event/experience so far w/Candlelighters?
I don’t golf, but enjoy spending the day at the Golf to Give Challenge.
What are you most excited about doing with Candlelighters next?
I have skied for most of my life, and am looking forward to the Cancer Ski Out this year!