Connor James Turley

1996 ~ 2021

Obituary Photo for Connor James Turley < >

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Oct. 22, 2021
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Larkin Mortuary Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah 84065
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    Oct. 22, 2021
    11:00 AM
    Larkin Mortuary Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah 84065
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    Connor James Turley was born November 22, 1996-he was 24 years of age. He was cherished from the beginning. Born with high levels of bilirubin, he would spend his first few days in a light bed with either his mom or dad lying next to him so he wouldn’t overheat. He was a fun-loving and energetic child who was always hugging and kissing his mother and father, brother, and two sisters. When he was not much older than a toddler, he would wait for his father (who is a Soldier) at the door to return from work. He would salute smartly and then do push-ups, sit-ups, and then run around the kitchen and dining room for his dad’s amusement. He wanted to be everything when he grew up: Soldier, Engineer, Astronaut, Fireman, Doctor, and Teacher. Once when he was very young, he attempted to jump from his parents’ staircase and broke his collar bone. It would not be until he was going to bed and putting on his pajamas that his mother would discover the injury as he couldn’t lift his arm to pull on his top.

    Connor was a fun and animated little boy. He loved all things “Toy Story”. One day he would be “Buzz” and the next day he would be “Woody.” He loved his mom to read stories to him. His love for his mom was deep and profound and he was so affectionate with her as a little boy. He developed a love of reading, and when he could read on his own, he read and loved “Captain Underpants” books. He would read them voraciously as a young child, to the point of dressing-up as Captain Underpants any time he could!

    Connor’s first friends were his family. He made so many fun memories with his cousins. Staying at Grandma Kathryn’s, going to Bear World, swimming at the sandbar, green canyon, and lava hot springs. Going camping and to Yellowstone, Lagoon, and Disneyland. Various picnics, parties, and parades. So many good times shared together.

    He loved to spend time playing with his mom, dad, brother and sisters. His favorite friend by far was his big brother, Michael. While Michael was 10 years older than Connor, he was so kind, patient, and nurturing with him-as a big brother should be. He introduced him to his love of Disney movies, especially his favorite movie: “The Nightmare before Christmas”. They shared a love of art, anime, and gaming. Michael was always so kind to share his things and his time. While it might annoy many other older brothers, he would often allow Connor to tag along with his friends. They had a very special bond that will never be broken, just like the brothers in “Full Metal Alchemist”.

    He spent a great of deal time with his big sisters; Shantel and Alyssa. He attended concerts, movies, and plays with them over many years and over many interests. They spent a great amount of time “scaring” each other, jumping on the trampoline, listening to music, talking about life, and driving each other on errands. They were his favorite helpers, teachers, and first playmates. His big sisters were great caretakers for him; always wanting to spoil him when he was a baby and when he got older. Their bonds would only gain strength as they grew older.

    He loved travel with his family and was able to visit some amazing places with them such as: Washington DC, New York City, and San Francisco. Disneyland and Disneyworld would certainly be among his favorite places, spending many fun-filled trips to both with his family.

    In his youth, Connor was involved in baseball, basketball, soccer, and football but none of these activities would be as fun or interesting to him as art or music. He would often jump off his parents’ backyard shed onto the trampoline with his friends, much to the surprise and chagrin of his parents. He seemed to be cracking jokes and making people laugh all the time, he was a natural comedian. He developed a skill for putting together stop-motion, animated movies when he was in elementary and junior high school. He watched and imitated the “blue-man” videos on YouTube and created an entire library of his own versions with animation, music, and witty dialogue which he wrote himself. He always had a great interest in the craft of making movies. He and his parents would watch movies and he would critique the movies’ “weak” as well as “strong” parts from production quality-to script-to dialogue-to acting. He was a young Spielberg in the making. He would also create “crank” phone-call videos with his friend on a computer program that simulated and changed voices that were both infuriating to his parents and undeniably, hilarious. As Connor grew older, he developed a keen interest in music and began to teach himself to play the guitar, banjo, and keyboards. His natural talent for music was as apparent as it was for art and animation, and he could play beautiful versions on his guitar after only a few times listening to a song. He seemed to channel natural music talents from his mother’s family as well as his Grandfather Turley.

    Connor attended elementary, junior high school, and high school in West Jordan, graduating from Copper Hills High School. Upon graduation, though he wanted to complete college he felt that a trip overseas to teach English might be a good training opportunity as well as a great adventure. He spent four months in China teaching elementary-age Chinese children. His connections with these children (and fellow teachers) would endure for several years after the trip and was a source of great joy and pride for him. He returned with many tokens and gifts from these children, who clearly loved “Teacher Connor” as much as he loved them. He expressed a desire to teach children in the future as a profession and we are sure that will be his vocation in eternity. In China, he also visited many large cities and natural landmarks, sampling the culture and beauty of the country with the highlight being his trip to the Great Wall of China. His pictures and those of his fellow teachers on the Great Wall with the look of wonder and joy on his face, will forever be a source of strength for his family.

    After returning from China, he attended both Weber State University, as well as SLCC. Connor enjoyed hanging out with his friends, going on long drives, listening to music, going to concerts, gaming, playing with Violet, and walking his dog. He worked in several jobs and continued in college classes until shortly before he lost his battle with mental illness on October 15, 2021.

    He is survived by his mother-MaryLou, father-Michael, sister-Shantel, brother-Michael, sister-in-law- Arleigh, sister-Alyssa, brother-in-law-Steven, nieces: Julie, Petra, Mila, Violet, nephew-Enzo, Grandpa Boyd, and Grandma Sue; aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and many others who cared for him more than his illness could allow him to accept. He is preceded in death by his loving Grandmother Kathryn, Grandpa George, Grandpa Mike, Grandma Barbara, Uncle Keith, Uncle Steve, and his beloved Dog and best friend, “Buster.”

    He will always be son and brother, uncle and nephew, cousin and friend. He was an artist and musician. A lover of literature and sushi. A sharp intellect who could debate the most educated to a stand-still. He was an advocate for those he felt were not treated fairly or kindly, and he had great empathy. While he was full of love and kindness, he was also full of pain and suffering. As a family, we are glad he is beyond that pain and suffering but we will love and miss him every moment of every day until we meet him again as an eternal family.

    Connor’s funeral service will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah for family and close friends. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the mortuary prior to the service. Interment will be in the Payson City Cemetery, Payson, Utah.



    Guestbook/Condolences

    Michael, MaryLou and Family,

    I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Stephanie Cole
    Bakersfield, CA


    - Stephanie Cole

    I send my condolences and love to Connor’s friends, family, and everyone whose lives were touched and made better by meeting him. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to know Connor for the brief time I did. My thoughts are with you all


    - Shelby

    Connor was one of the most genuine and like minded people i have met in my life. Even though we weren’t always able to be physically close I considered him a good friend of mine and will miss him dearly. I recall on many occasions spending late nights hanging out playing video games and chatting about anime together. Those memories are indispensable and i will cherish them forever. Im very sorry for your loss, Connor was truly a remarkable person and a beautiful soul.


    - Jared Evans

    Condolences from the Argueta family. Connor was a great kid and a great friend to our daughter. I have fond memories of him hanging out at our house and being funny. I always saw him smiling and he was always very polite. He will be greatly missed.


    - Luis Argueta

    This is a beautiful tribute. I caught glimpses of his humor and happiness in some of our visits and could see his creativity and potential. Thank you for sharing more about his life. This is a heartbreaking loss for all of us.


    - Heidi S Vawdrey

    So very sorry for your loss. May peace be with you at this time. Ward and Julie Brewer, Camp Williams Maintenance.


    - Ward and Julie Brewer

    Dearest Turley Family, heartfelt sympathy to you all at this difficult time. We did not have the privilege of meeting Connor personally, but know how special he was to Alyssa, she always expressed her love for him and her whole family. Our prayers are with your family.
    Love Heber and Pam DeLand


    - Pamela DeLand

    Or sincere condolences to your family. I thoughts and prayers are with you.


    - Anita and Roy Sargent

    Sorry for your loss.


    - Gary West

    My sincere condolences on the loss of a beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew, and uncle. Peace and love to the Turley family and to all of those that knew and loved Connor.


    - Brad Starks

    Dear Mike and Marylou,
    Please accept our love and deepest condolences. What a beautiful tribute to you son, Connor. What countless gifts of service he left in his stead. We wish we could have know him. We know through his life that he will forever be remembered with fondness and love! Many blessings to you and your extended family as you walk in your new journey. Remember that we are always here for you as well as countless others that love you. God bless you and take comfort that Connor is with the Master Healer. You were surely blessed to call him son. We love you! Blessings! 💐.

    Love,
    Jeff and Charn


    - Jeff and Charn Burton

    The news of Connor’s loss is heartbreaking. The obituary was a beautifully written tribute to him. Nick and I are sending our love, thoughts, and prayers to your family.


    - BreAnn and Nick

    Maria and I share our deepest sympathy during this difficult time.

    Connor, God's speed and may you find true peace and contentment on your path.


    - Chris and Maria Beveridge

    Mike and MaryLou,

    Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing this video. What an incredible tribute to such a beautiful son. We feel like we got to know Connor a little better and it is obvious the love you and your family have for him and each other. You have all been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be going forward. Don't ever hesitate to reach out as we join many others who extend their hands in love and support.

    DJ & Becky Gibb


    - DJ & Becky Gibb

    I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for all of you. May our Lord start to replace the pain and sorrow with our hope of heaven realized, and wash over all of you with His comfort and care and incredible peace that passes all understanding.

    In His service
    Pastor Dee Cairoli


    - Dee Cairoli

    I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Connor was always so fun, bright, curious, and just great. I can't express how heartbroken I am for your family.


    - Lorin Burnett

    My condolences. Conner was a great kid. There are so many great things to say about him.


    - JAMES HOPP