Roger A. Conner, 81, passed away in Virginia Beach on March 3, after a courageous battle against Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). He is survived by his son, Michael A. Conner Sr., his daughter Patricia L. (Conner) Michael, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.  A native of The Dalles, Oregon, he is survived by his sister Mary Louise (Lulu) Woodward.  Roger was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Elizabeth Pearl (Miedzinski) Conner, and by his parents Morris Newton Conner and Dorothy Mary (McIntire) Conner.

In 1987, Roger retired as a Limited Duty Officer Lieutenant Commander after a 30-year Naval career in aviation and antisubmarine warfare.  He spent the last 34 years pursuing his passion acquiring, repairing, and studying antique clocks.  His passion for clocks began when as a child he took apart and reassembled a wind-up alarm clock at the kitchen table.  He was self-taught in his craft and had a gift for repairing all things mechanical.

Whether working on a race car engine or repairing a 200-hundred-year-old clock, he attacked each problem with persistence and zeal.  He was naturally brilliant and curious, never shy to teach himself something new, but also generously mentored others.  Roger did everything with excellence and is greatly missed by family and friends.

A small columbarium-side service will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Virginia Beach on Friday 12 March at 11:00 AM, after which his remains will be interred with his wife Betty.  Roger was an ardent patron to the charities in order to protect the environment, heal people, and nourish people. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation in memory of Roger to the COPD Foundation, Meals On Wheels, or National Audubon Society. Fair winds and following seas!