Bradley Ray Conn, age 47, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, WA, passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2015 in Mount Vernon, WA.
He was born on December 17, 1967, in Mount Vernon, WA the son of David and Betty Jo Conn.
Brad was raised and attended school in Burlington, WA, graduating from Burlington-Edison High School in 1986.
On July 27, 1991, Brad was united in marriage to Beverly Anna Hurn in Mount Vernon, Washington.
Brad attended Skagit Valley College from 1986-1988, playing baseball and graduating with an Associates Arts Degree. Brad also attended Central Washington University and Western Washington University.
In his younger years Brad worked at Gubrud Valley Nissan. He also worked at Skagit Valley Park and Recreation where he was instrumental in the development of the SWISH Basketball program, Adult sport programs and Youth Sport Camps. Brad returned to Skagit Valley College in the spring of 1989 as the assistant to long-time Head Coach Jim Hosek. Brad coached at Skagit through the 1997 season before being hired to take over the program at Sedro-Woolley. In 1998, Brad was hired as the Head Baseball Coach at Sedro-Woolley High School where he worked as a Safety Enhancement Officer and Head Baseball Coach until his passing. Brad was a well respected colleague and mentor at Sedro-Woolley High School. He was a major influence in the lives of his students, colleagues and friends. Brad was an accomplished communicator and advisor.
During Brad’s coaching at Sedro-Woolley he was a fixture in Skagit Valley as well as the baseball community throughout the state and region and served as the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association President from 2004 to 2013. During his time as the WSBCA President he was instrumental in having the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Banquet moved to Safeco Field and created a display of honorees in the Seattle Mariner Museum. Brad coached the Senior All State Games in 2005 and 2014. In 2011, he started Skagit Valley Baseball Club with the help of George Dewey and Mount Vernon Head Baseball Coach Danny Costa. Brad was an Associate Scout for the Seattle Mariners from 2009 until his passing, where he coached the Mariner Scout Team in Arizona. In 2013, Brad was named Northwest Conference Coach of the Year for Baseball. On November 22, 2014, Brad was inducted into the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Brad considered this one of his greatest professional accomplishments.
Brad is survived by his wife Beverly at the family home in Sedro-Woolley; son, Jackson Ray Conn of Pacific Lutheran University and daughter, Riley Jo Conn at the family home and his loving dog Jeter. His parents David and Betty Jo Conn of Burlington and mother-in-law, Darlene Hurn of Sedro-Woolley.
Brad was preceded in death by his father-in-law Allan C. Hurn, his paternal grandparents, Don and Dorothy Conn and maternal grandparents, Joe and Helen Fagan.
A Life Celebration Service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 4:00 PM at the Bethany Covenant Church in Mount Vernon, followed by a reception at the church and then a no-host gathering at Coconut Kenny’s in Burlington.
Memorials are suggested to the Conn Family Fund at any Skagit Bank, GoFundMe at http://www.gofundme.com/Bradconn and contributions can also be made to the Sedro-Woolley Baseball Club, 109 Metcalf Street, PMB 102, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 (these contributions will directly support Sedro-Woolley)
My deepest condolences to your family. I have many great memories of Brad from grade school playing various sports. I appreciate your passion for sports and always have. In 5th grade I remember us arguing over who was the best basketball player. At recess we had a one on one game, and much to my dismay you beat me in the game 26-25. The zeal you brought to life makes your passing hard to grasp. I wish I had the opportunity to say congratulations to you for your coaching accomplishments.
Hey buddy. 38 years ago I moved from New York to Washington and when I walked into my 5th grade class you were the first person I met. Well, congratulations that qualifies you as the oldest friend I ever had. Since that day you have been one of my closest friends. Way to many stories and memories for me to list, but know that I will always cherish them. I guess that makes me the luckiest friend you had being able to spend the longest time with you. I love you like a brother and will miss you more than you know. Until I see you again, I love you Darb.
Bev & Conn Family
My heart felt condolences for your loss. I remember Brad from when he was in high school with my son and daughter. Brad was always a very nice, respectful young man.
Harry Hill
Brad, we had some good times at the dealership. Your mother Betty Jo and I came to know each other as she was the receptionist at Doctor Worley’s office. My daughter, Novelli Lewis and my son Mitchell Lewis enjoyed you in High School. Novelli (Elli) lives out of state and is so sad to lose a wonderful mentor and not be able to join in your service. We are all glad you were honored in November, God must have known to squeeze that important event in before you joined him in Heaven. Life is good and so are people, Brad you will be missed greatly.
From our family to yours, thanks for all the smiles and memories. Don, Don Jr., Cyndi, and Joni Gordon, and my kids that you so graciously enjoyed them and left an impact that will remain, Elli Lewis Haddick and Mitchell Lewis.
Love to your family and to a great man Brad Conn.
A man who alot of kids looked up to encluding me ,a great man and a great baseball coach , im sorry for your loss conn family he was a great man to alot of people
Bev & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Brad was a great guy and will be missed by all that knew or had the pleasure of working with him. His passing is a great loss for everyone. Take Care and know our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Annie Nersten & Family