Slipp Landon O’Connor

Slipp Landon O’Connor

Beloved Son, Brother, and Uncle

Nov. 23, 1973 —  March 22, 2008

MONTROSE — Slipp Landon O’Connor, 34, went to be with the Lord Jesus Saturday, March 22, 2008 after a long and courageous battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Slipp was born Nov. 23, 1973 in North Terrytown, N.Y., to Roy and Bonnie (Kuchta) O’Connor.  Slipp’s family moved to Montrose when Slipp was in kindergarten. Slipp lived in Montrose until he  graduated from high school in 1991, and continued his education at Western State College in Gunnison and Mesa State College in Grand Junction, where he continued to reside. He was employed at St. Mary’s Hospital. Slipp found freedom and peace in running. During his high school years he ran and won many 5 and 10Ks. Later he ran for the sheer joy of running. Many of his friends recall seeing him running out in the desert, up a mountain trail, in the canyons or on the Plateau. His love for nature and wildlife and particularly the mountains sent him exploring the mountain ranges and surrounding  deserts, mountain biking, hiking and camping. Slipp’s other favorite pastimes were reading American war history and spending time with his friends in Grand Junction. Those who new and loved Slipp were truly blessed, for in his short 34 years he gave everyone so many warm and wonderful memories, inspiring others with his genuine selfless nature. He was always thinking of others, delighting in their happiness and concerned for them in their times of hardship, even as he endured the most challenging and difficult times in his own life. Slipp loved to laugh and delighted in making others smile. With his gentle nature and bright sense of humor he could always bring a smile, even on the darkest of days. Slipp is survived by his mother, Bonnie Kuchta of Montrose; his sister, Jennifer Moews and her daughter Trinity Brannon Moews of Montrose. A celebration of Slipp Landon’s life will be officiated by Pastor Gerald Garcia at Grace Community Church Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 1 p.m. Written thoughts, memories, and pictures of Slipp will be gratefully accepted at his service. In lieu of flowers , memorial contributions in Slipp’s memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402. Services are being handled under the care of Valley Lawn Funeral Home, 505 S. 2nd St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-4400.