Ivan Douglas Connor

IVAN DOUGLAS CONNOR Kalamazoo Ivan Douglas Connor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, decorated war hero and concert violinist, passed away on March 6, 2010 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born April 27, 1915 to Selden and Sylvia Connor in Saranac, Michigan and grew up in Ionia, where he began his studies of the violin. He attended Western Normal College now Western Michigan University and was a charter member of Western's string quartet which continues to this day. There he met and later married Elizabeth Heathcote. They had a daughter, Katherine prior to his joining the army in WWII. He fought as a member of machine gun and mortar crews during the liberation of France and Germany and was recipient of the Bronze Star for valor in combat. Upon his return from the war, Ivan taught instrumental music in public schools starting in Northport, subsequently in Allegan, and then in Detroit, Michigan. While in Detroit he and Elizabeth had son Gary. During his career Ivan prided himself on introducing thousands of elementary, junior and senior high school students to the joys of music. However, his greatest satisfaction may have been as co-director of the All City Orchestra, comprised of the very best students from across the city. After retiring to Sarasota, Florida in 1980, he played the violin with the Sarasota Pops Orchestra. He and Elizabeth then returned to Kalamazoo in 1993 and have resided at the Fountains of Bronson Place since. Elizabeth passed away in November, 2008. Ivan is much loved by all who knew him and will be very much missed by his two children Kay and Gary, daughter-in-law Deborah, grandchildren, Catherine Connor and Michael Connor, M.D., and Michael's wife, Beth Trimark-Connor. Following his interment at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, there will be a Gathering of Friends in the Auditorium at The Fountains at Bronson Place, 1700 Bronson Way, on Monday, March 15, 2010 from 2:30 PM until 4:30 PM. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Please visit www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508