Connor Douglas Braithwaite, beloved father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022.

Connor was born on March 6, 1994 as the first child to Bruce and Jessica Braithwaite. The labor and delivery team had never seen such a long newborn. Neither of their table-mounted measuring tapes were long enough to get an accurate reading, so they settled on 24 inches.

At just six months, Connor took his first steps. He was also talking at an early stage and not well. When prompted to say grandpa, he gave his best effort with, “Paka” and then he would laugh. A prompt for grandma provided a similar response, “Maka” followed by more laughter. His paternal grandparents will forever be known as Paka and Maka by all of Connor’s family.

When just over a year old, a baby sister named Bailey arrived. She and Connor were close from the very start. Then came Brielle, Keean, and Blye. They all shared many young adventures together including frequent trips to the Oregon coast, a place that Connor greatly loved. There was a special protective and loving relationship with each of his four siblings.

Humor was a significant part of his nature. Connor was very funny, but he also appreciated intelligent and creative comedy. His laugh was beautiful and created moments of immense joy. It may be one of the things that will be missed the most.

It was a family tradition to visit Disney World in Florida every other year. This was always a special time shared with his parents, siblings, and maternal grandparents, Papa and Nana. In his final moments in hospital care, Connor was asked where he was. His response and his final words were, “I’m in Disney World.” A testament to the fondness he held for his family and traditions.

Connor was involved in sports throughout his youth. Soccer was his passion. He played league soccer with his best friend, Ryan. In high school, he played on the basketball and soccer teams. Interest in sports diminished as he began to chase a girl.

What started as high school sweethearts became a bond that helped them through the many challenges of raising a family as young parents. Connor and Danielle are the loving parents of a daughter and three sons. These children are beautiful creations, his greatest accomplishment, and a blessed legacy.

As a brilliant thinker and self-taught coder, Connor was always able to secure employment and the financial security needed to purchase a home and care for the needs of his family. He cherished and deeply loved his children and took comfort and pride in his success and abilities as a provider.

Travel and time with family were some of his great passions. On one of the many family trips to Ireland, Connor said, “I get it.” He appreciated the beauty and intrigue of the world and wanted more. Making memories, family traditions, and sentimental moments were important. Connor was the instigator and inspiration for many family activities, adventures, and gatherings. 

You are gone too soon, but we love you enough for a lifetime.

Connor is survived by his four children: Lillian Kaye Braithwaite, Lennon Lee Braithwaite, Lian Douglas Braithwaite, and Lewis Connor Braithwaite, his parents: Bruce and Jessica Braithwaite, his siblings: Bailey Braithwaite, Brielle (Seth) VanMaren, Keean (Haley) Braithwaite, and Blye (Jack) Eastmond, his grandparents: Judy Braithwaite, Douglas Minnick, and Lauretta Wing, and the mother of his children, Danielle (Rafajko) Braithwaite.