On August 13, 2016, there were fewer smiles in the world. Connor Casillas had a gift – he was able to light up the world without words or actions. Connor could bring light to an entire room with his smile, his gorgeous eyes and infectious laugh. He navigated his world with those beautiful blue eyes and expressive face. Connor had better nonverbal communication with his expressions than most of us have with words.
Connor has left us to brighten other worlds and to be free of his daily burdens, free to run and swim and eat and talk as much as he wants. He has truly left us all speechless in marveling at his courageous spirit, loving disposition, and his unbeatable sense of humor in the short time we got to spend with him.
Connor was loved wherever he went. His family would say that they would be out in the community and friends of Connor would run up to hug him wherever they would go. Connor loved slapstick humor, and was always up for a good joke. He also found a new love in videogames recently. Connor was an avid skier with the Eagle Mount Bozeman ski program and was a loyal Professional Bull Riders fan. He also helped others understand the importance of accessibility and inclusion, raising $2,000 in support of Summit Playground in Missoula, testifying at the Montana Legislature in support of disability services, and attending theater, sports, science, and art camps right along with his peers.
Connor was a student at Smith Elementary School. Connor cherished seeing his friends and teachers at school. He always greeted them with a smile, and soon they all would be laughing with each other, usually Connor laughing the hardest. Connor taught his classmates and teachers about a life with grace and empathy. He loved his friends fiercely and it was obvious how much they meant to him.
Connor is survived by his parents Kelly and Jack Lynch; father Ernesto Casillas; sisters Lucy and Greta Lynch; brother Mateo Casillas; grandparents Kathy Connors, Mick Waterman, Dave and Jennifer Lamkin, Mickey and Norene Lynch, Mario Casillas, and Yolanda Contreras; and many, many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Palcisko and the other doctors and staff at Helena Pediatric Clinic, the pediatric nurses at St. Pete’s, and his many therapists who helped him get the most out of life and cared for him so dearly.
A celebration of Connor will be held at the Kleffner Ranch on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. Please bring your smiles, your stories, your laughter, your children, and your love. Connor loved nothing more than a big crazy party! In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the account at Stockman Bank, P.O. Box 7329, Helena, MT 59604: Kelly Lynch C/O Connor Casillas. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or to share a memory of Connor.
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”
― William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
3:30 p.m.
Wednesday August 17, 2016
Kleffner Ranch
305 Mt Hwy 518
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday August 17, 2016
Kleffner Ranch
305 Mt Hwy 518
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Paula Clinch says
Connor was a beautiful boy with an infectious laugh. Knowing him made me a better person. I will miss him terribly. May God watch over him and give him peace. I pray for Connor’s family in this very difficult time.
Kaely Helmbrecht says
Connor was a light to everyone he met. He will be dearly missed, especially those big blue eyes and that infectious smile. I have many memories of Connor. One of my most favorite was when my Maicee was 1…maybe 2 and was pushing Connor all around at Katie’s wedding reception. They were having so much fun together!
Amy Peck says
I will remember Connor’s beautiful smile and his happy squeals when he saw his momma, anyone he loved, or when something tickled his fancy! A precious boy for sure.
David Reed says
I remember when he came to my birthday party in kindergarten. His mom was worried he wouldn’t have fun, because it was at Big Time Bouncers. When he showed up, all our friends took turns pushing him, and he was all smiles the whole party. I will miss my friend.
Cynde Watkins says
What a pleasure it was to meet Connor! Kelly you are the most amazing mother I have ever met. Thank you for sharing some of your time with me. I will never forget it and it has made me a better person knowing Connor.
Emily Withrow & Pat Severtson says
I am going to miss my very best Facebook buddy. I am going to miss that amazing smile and those beautiful eyes, and the sweetness that is you. I love you, Connor, as do so many, many people. I know you take that love with you – hold it close as you run and play and laugh and ride some great big Bulls. Enjoy your new freedom, sweet Connor.
To Connor’s amazing family: We’re holding you close in our hearts and wishing you comfort during the days and months and years ahead. Though Connor’s too stay with you was far, far too short, you gave him such love and care – his joy in being with you was obvious to all who knew him. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers always.
Jennifer Olson says
What a beautiful soul Connor was. His sparkling eyes and bright smile will always remain in my memory. I am blessed to have known this wonderful boy and witness the unconditional love from his mom and all his family. Keeping Connor’s family in my prayers that they find peace during this difficult time.
Betsy Riley says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Donovan says
Deepest Sympathy from your family in Australia. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Joanne & Mark Gilbert says
Kelly, our hearts go out to you and your family. Connor knew how blessed he was to have you as his Mom and the love of his family and friends. I will cherish his sweet smile and laughter always. He was a light unto everyone’s hearts that he touched.
John and Diana Tavary says
Kelly, my heart was broken when I saw that Conner had passed. You were one tough, terrific advocate for Conner and others. Often I would see your mom and dad walk by on their way to Farmers Market I assume on a Saturday morning. They loved and adored Conner. I would always joke around with Conner and tell him how handsome he was and that I had several grand daughters he could choose from. His laughter and smile was contagious. Kelly, my prayer is that your heart will be filled with God’s peace through this. I will see you at Kleffner Ranch. Di
Cathy Murphy says
Kathie- I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful grandson. I know what a joy he was to you. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sage heather story says
SAGE:
When I walked into the room conner would laugh his Grandpa would allwyas greet me I love conner I love his laughter he was my best friend I will miss him? I am so sort for your loss
Serenity Banks says
I was friends with Connor since preschool. 7 years is a long time, and I’m glad I got to know him that long. We have a lot of fun and memorable history. He always had a huge smile on his face no matter what was going on. I would meet him at the playground a D I would tell him a joke, that’s when his bright smile would show and we would both start laughing. I will miss his smile, laugh, and joy. We will forever have a strong friendship. May Connor and his family stay at peace forever. Connor, may you forever Rest in Peace. You will strongly be missed.
Shannon McDonald says
Every time I saw Connor he had a big smile on his face. My favorite memory of all of you was waiting in the hall for a parent teacher conference listening to him laugh while you raced him in a loop around the building in his wheelchair – even waiting was fun. He could not have had a more loving or devoted family.
Steve Kilbreath says
Kelly my heart aches for you. May the Lord bless you and keep you and may his face shine upon you during thess times.
Linda Rossi says
I had the pleasure of meeting Connor and his grandparents at a Brewers baseball game. I was so happy to see what a beautiful relationship and the love that was between them. Connor was given a baseball bat by one of the players and his face was priceless!! It brought me to tears! I am so glad that I got to meet Connor and the last time they were at the baseball game I asked Connor if I could kiss him on the cheek. His grandmother told me he said yes. I have to say that meeting Connor was really special for me. I talked about him and told many people about him and how special the day was that I met him. I will remember him always and smile! Connor is an angel now.
Deborah Camplese says
I was a special needs para at Smith a few years ago and Connor was one of my “kids”. It was always so special to see him in the morning when his mom would bring him to school, he was never without his beautiful smile and expressive eyes. We would laugh at the silliest things along with his classmates in their kindergarten class. I’ll never forget one day Connor and I were waiting for his Grandpa Mick to pick him up. I went to open the door and the wind blew my dress up and Connor laughed so hard he was crying great big tears – that was a perfect example of his favorite slapstick humor! Connor was blessed with an incredibly caring and loving family. I will never forget you Connor for bringing such joy to all who knew you. Ms. Deborah
Sage heather story says
Sorry I !ent to say sorry
Rose Thomas says
I had the pleasure of meeting Connor a couple of times and what a delight he was. I know everyone who knew Connor has a very heavy heart. Such a precious, beautiful soul with family and friends who loved him to the moon and back. Family is Everything.
trace williams says
conner was a delight i loved him so much he was like fammily ;( im not really taking that he’s
gone very well and i hope that i’ll see him again.