Happy Heavenly 21st CMI!

Wow! I can’t believe how fast time flies!

I’ve been thinking about you this summer a lot especially! I got to cover AAU basketball this summer and just kept thinking about Motown madness and getting to watch you grow up on the court! Those were the best times. The last time I got to see you play, I was home from college and was so proud of you! You truly were such a light on the court!

You impacted the lives of so many people around you and were always so nice to everyone! I always admired you for that!

I am so thankful to have known you and got to grow up with you! I wish I could be celebrating with you tonight! Oh middle school us could only dream of the day of being 21! I hope heaven is being good to you CMI! I miss you so much!

Happy heavenly birthday Connor Matthew, we miss you so. You would have been 20 today and heading into your 2nd year of college. I know that you are with us today as we drop JT off for his next adventure at CSU and Cooper went to his 1st day of preschool. You would be so proud of them both. It's been 28 months and you have missed at so many events and sooooooo many people miss you. Say hi to grandpa for me and kiss his face off. I love you son.

Hey cmi.. it’s been a while. I dreamt about you last night, I dream about you a lot actually.. but this time you were here. I thought you were gone but you were here. And I’ve never felt so much joy. I’ve never known the feeling of your heart calling you home, but that’s what it felt like last night. I saw you. And I knew you were forever. I wish we could go back, I miss you so unexplainably much Conman. I feel very lost without you, but I’m learning to turn to God and to trust him. Until we meet again.. Keep us safe angel❤️

CMI. It is incredibly hard to move on to college without you, I wish you were still here so I could read the news updates about your sports and stuff. I remember the last day I saw you was the Friday before the accident. We were being dismissed for lunch, and you held the door for me even though I was atleast 5 mins away from you. But you still stood there and held the door. I remember the last thing I ever got to say to you. “Have a good weekend. Be safe” those words remain in my mind since that day, and every time I see a picture of you, or a hear a sad song, I cannot help but cry. You were a gifted soul, and your smile was radiant. I reminisce about the days in middle school shop class, when I couldn’t pass my safety tests and you and Isabel stolsteimer stood in the window in front of me and told me which ones to click. I remember all of the fun we had in coach Coleman’s class. My most cherished memory is when you signed mine and Reanna Lawhorns marriage certificate. There will always be a soft spot in my heart for you. And I know that someday we can rejoice in the palace above. I love ya pal.

You are missed Connor.

Keep guiding us all from up there!

Thinking of you #4 today and always. Forever grateful for the friend you were to me and so many others. At recess through elementary school, I would never play with the other girls, I was always playing football, basketball or soccer with the boys (including you). I owe a lot of what I’ve learned in basketball and soccer to you, and honored that with #4 as my soccer number. Continuously, I play and ride for you and how much I looked up to your athleticism, leadership, drive and kindness. The class of 2020 is so proud of you and is always honoring you. We miss you. I’m forever grateful for the friend you were to me and for touching my life. #4 #playforconnor

condolences to the family.

January 5th, 2020 Connor, another month has passed (8 months) now. The past few weeks have been so hard with the holidays, not having you here for Christmas breakfast, the day was soooooo different, you were missed so much. Basketball games are so hard to watch as your teammates miss your leadership and tenacity..... they are playing great, but wow, how you elevated all of them and made everyone around you better.

We all miss you so much, but know that you are at peace in Heaven with our Lord. Love you CMI #4CMI, #4Play for Connor

Merry Christmas CMI. Missing you extra this time of year. I hope you’re up there watching over all the hurting hearts today

Matt. I’ve been reading all the tributes to your son and feel like I have been so blessed to have insight as to the young man he had become. I weep for your loss  I can’t imagine the pain you all suffer. The testimony your family and Conner raise to our Lord is overwhelming. The picture of Christ-like living sets an example for us all. Be proud Matt of how you have raised your son that he would deeply touch so many lives.  His crown must be shining so bright in heaven. I continue to lift you all up in prayer and love you. One day you will be united with your Lord and your precious son. Until then, try to keep looking up sweet cousin.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Conner ♥️...
I can hardly believe it has been six months...as not only has this been such a horrific loss to your family, but the entire MHS Senior Class, Underclassmen, Teachers, Coach’s, but an entire Community, and so many others beyond our home of Montrose....Conner, I barely knew you other than from on the basketball court, but I loved your enthusiasm and spark when you were playing...there were several times that I would see you just long enough after a game to congratulate you... you would smile and thank me like we were long time friends...I have no doubt what a special young man you were then and what your heavenly spirit is...even today!! ♥️

November 5th, 2019 (6 months) since you took your last walk with Bella. I am sitting here next to the place where you jumped in to save her, I place I wish you had never been! A place that will forever be in my memory, nightmares, shattered dreams and most of all, the place where you took your seat in Heaven next to our loving Father. Too soon, but there was a song I listened to this morning on my way to work “Buy and Buy” by Ross Ellis, it talks about how we spend our time and our wealth…… There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to be able to bring you back to us, but you are already home and I have to accept that.

A special friend of yours recently sent us a letter talking about you and the importance of you in their life. They also shared a parts of a letter that you shared with them…… WOW Connor you touched our lives and hearts through your words, I asked and was given permission to share some of your thoughts.

Here goes, you were asking if they knew God and if not, you wanted to share a little. You talked about how Jesus paid for our sins with His life giving us in your words “an unlimited credit card to sin” because the debit was already paid, but you asked “should I?” was that the way to live, was the “morally right”

These are Connor’s words “I think one of the biggest reasons people aren’t religious is they think that ‘if God was real why would he let all these bad things happen’ and I totally understand and would agree if someone wouldn’t have told me the answer. I think how he said it was god believes 110% in free will and not controlling everything, so He lets everything happen the way we let it happen and He helps us if we ask for it. So ,when bad stuff happens it’s not because there isn’t a God or He doesn’t care he just doesn’t want to control your life.” “But ya, God is always there for you and He is the only one who listens and loves you no matter what. “I think God is pretty cool, I think most people think of Him as like this strict, emotionless, and letter of the law type of person, but I disagree. I think He’s a lot more ‘human’ and emotional…… He’s the only one that can actually 100% understand exactly what you are going through because He sees your point of view. Also, another reason people don’t really get religious is because they think prayers don’t work…… But God always answers everyone’s prayers it’s just sometimes not in the time frame they are expecting and almost never in the way the want/plan it to.

Connor went on to talk about his relationship with God our Father, and about judgement and how we need to look for the good in people. His last thoughts in that letter were about the sermon that pastor Karl was teaching on about depression. Connor’s thoughts “I wonder if you have ever been depressed or are struggling with it? But then I thought no, not …….. they are always happy and smiley. But I know that sometimes the people that are depressed the worst hide it the best, so I hope this never happens, but if you are struggling or ever struggle with depression or are even just sad you can always feel safe to talk to me or God!

The words of my son ringing so true in this world. This letter was such an inspiration and helped my heart heal a little. God has a plan, he let’s us live our lives and is with us all along the way, in the good, bad and unimaginable pain that I am going through I have that hope. I just pray that I can continue to heal and grow through this loss. That I can honor God, and honor Connor with my words and actions and how I treat and minister to others. I know that they are both with me, Connor and God. Until the day we meet again in glory. I hope that you know how much words cannot describe the love and how proud of you I am CMI.

Proverbs 30:4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

I am glad you know son!

Love Dad

Connor, we are in Loveland watching soccer. You would be so proud of Jt and how he has stepped up and become a leader on the field. Sean Scored the winning goal, but You already know that because you and Nancy were sitting together watching! We sure miss you buddy. Have heard from so manny people that live you and miss you and the impact that you had on their life or that of someone they know. I can only pray that the pain will someday go away and we will get to shoot some hoops together soon. I love you #4CMI #Play4Connor

Matt, I only met Connor once when you and your kids stayed at my house when you were out at BYU for some sports event 5 or so years ago.

Having heard/read the stories about him from you and his friends, my big takeaway was his genuine Christlike heart. I think he excelled at academics and sports because it gave him a larger platform to influence and help others as Christ would do. Not in grand ways but small taps on the shoulders of those around him that were struggling. Only he could see the need.

The sports and grades were temporary but the Christlike kindess and ability will be felt forever.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this story if even in a small way.
B

Connor, missing you, and thinking of you and Nancy together. My love to your family and the Alex family.

Many memories that people have shared about Connor have been about his athletic abilities and his wonderful personality. While those memories are correct, they tend to overlook what an outstanding student he was.

I had him in two classes last year, AP Physics 1 and Trig/Pre-Calc. As I setup my grade book for this year I went back over some highs & lows from last year from an academics perspective. 

I immediately remembered how quickly I came to know Connor because he didn't miss a single point on either our first physics or our first math test. In fact, I can't remember a kid ever not missing at least a few points on either of those tests. But Connor didn't, he had perfect scores on both of them. Of course I thought it was a fluke and made some joke to him about "I'll see ya next time".

Well, our second unit tests came up in both subjects - and once again, he didn't miss a single point on either one. By this time I'd gotten to know him a little better and told him that he'd just raised the bar and now it was going to be him & me. 

He did miss a handful of points by the time the unit 3 tests came around, but that's because I deliberately changed them to try to push him a little bit. He was so smart - where was his limit of understanding the curriculum? And, not so much from did he only understand what we'd learned - but could he take that and possibly apply it to something we hadn't yet learned? While he did have a couple of struggles, the fact that he was even able to make very solid attempts at answering the questions showed what an outstanding scholar he was.

I may never have another student like him. He was truly special and I'll never forget him. He was going to be one of only about 12 students in my Physics 2 class this year. There's a hole in my classroom without him. I'll work as hard as I can with the remaining 11, but it's going to be a hard year.

Dan

CMI, as I lay awake listening to your brother Cooper, who will never get to meet you until you are together in Heaven, I can barely breathe, the pain is unbearable. Sarah started HS today, started and played well in her JV volleyball game, JT had a welding class and still is letting his hair grow wild. We miss you buddy. This was the year that you would all be in HS together, that you would be there one last year for them both as they enjoyed and struggled with school, my silent behind the scenes helper with them. I awoke with the pain of the many families who have lost sons and brothers and friends in the few months since your passing, I awoke with a dream of how this year, this class, your friends would make a difference here and wherever they go off to school. How the friends that are already in college will somehow make an impact where they are.

I can't imagine how hard this year is going to be for us all without you physically here with us. I pray that you will continue to be with us in spirit, to encourage and lift us up when we need your smile. I can only pray that we honor you and touch lives even in your loss. I love you son and I am so proud of who you are and who you became as a young man. Help me make it count. #4CMI, #play4Connor

Happy Birthday Connor. We miss you. Keep watching over us  We will never forget. CMI#4

Happy birthday buddy. I am going to miss spending the day with you and all of the fun we would have had. Cooper is now 4 days old, your little brother is going to miss you but I know that you are watching over him and all of us. We miss you #4Play4Connor

Happy Heavenly Birthday Connor!! We as a community have you in our thoughts everyday and we miss you.

i remember whenever you guys moved into the neighborhood. and whenever bella would get loose and helping get her back. my dad and i always making jokes about if he would ever stop practicing. always hearing him outside playing basketball for hours on end. having class with him and always joking around. one day i was upset about the DMV being closed so i couldn’t get my license for a couple more day and how upset that he wouldn’t be able to get a new license because he lost his. or his sarcastic little comments in class. or playing for him at games with the rest of the band. or even passing him leaving the neighborhood the day he passed and both of us waving to each other. he was and will continue to be a shinning light and a beacon of hope

Matt, I only briefly met Connor when you all were attending a sports camp at BYU 5+ years ago. You all spent the night at our home. I don't have much memory of him but as I have stated before, if he is any reflection of you then I know he was a class act kid and a kind soul. So sorry for this loss.
B

Sunday nights are the hardest! We would usually be coming home from a game or tournament somewhere and talk about what was coming up in the week ahead. Connor, you were always so prepared and on top of things. I could always count on you to know what everyone in the family was doing. My life feels so empty now, there is such a huge hole and brokenness. Nothing is or will ever be the way it was with you here, I miss that, so many little things now bring tears to my eyes and an ache to my heart. Now Sundays are even harder as it was on a Sunday that you went to be with Jesus. Spending that night at the canal praying and begging God to bring you home safely, He did, but to his home and not mine. It hurst so bad buddy, I never knew that anything could hurt so bad.
Watching your boys play this weekend at camp was so tough, not only on me but for them as well. You are so missed by them, but you would have been so proud of them and the effort that they put in and the growth that some of them are showing. Boy it would have been an incredible year, it still will be, just in a much different way....... incredibly hard :(
I continue to read the posts of other people, friends and even people whom you only knew of in passing and I am so proud to be able to call you my son.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
18. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 
This verse hit me this morning, it is hard to give thanks for the circumstances that took you away from us, yet I have hope knowing that I will see you again and you are preparing a place for your family and friends. I love you CMI, I can only pray that my actions can Honor you daily and that you will be looking down and be proud of me as much as I was proud of you.

Connor and I have known each other since he moved here. He always would make me and everyone else around him laugh no matter what the situation was. My favorite memory was from last volleyball season when he would always come up to me before a game or even tell me during the game to make sure to hit someone really hard in the face. I love seeing the videos from the student section with everyone cheering and he was always the loudest one I could hear when on the court. We miss you so much Connor. We all play 4 you this year

Matt and Family-
I’ve never met you nor had I ever met Connor but I wanted to share a quick story. My son Tanner plays basketball for Fruita Monument and has played against Connor since their middle school days. About two weeks before Connors passing Tanner and I were talking about basketball next year. He talked about Montrose and how like usual they would be their biggest competition! He specifically talked about Connor and his role on that team. He described Connor by saying ”he isn’t just their best player, he’s the glue of that team, he knows how to command the court but does it in a way that everyone respects him and looks up to him.” Just wanted to share that memory of your son from my son. We are so incredibly sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️

Connor you and your family are in our thoughts everyday....There isn't a day that goes by when we haven't thought of you. The other day I wanted to make Trey a quick snack between lunch and dinner so I looked in the freezer to see what I could find and I said, "What about this frozen mac and cheese" and he stopped in his tracks and had the saddest look on his face and he said, "Mom that is Connors". Those boys were always running to Walmart to get snacks to eat between their basketball games in the backyard. I would go outside to check and you would think they were in a championship game the way they were all sweating and playing like it was the "big" game.  Connor was always around when we were moving furniture. Jay always wanted to pay him for his help and he always refused. We had to insist and he never wanted to take it.  Connor you are so special and the boys will always be playing for you. Play#4Connor.......(I added a few silly pics of the boys)

Always thinking of Connor....even with life moving forward around us. He is always in our thoughts along with all of the Imus family. #playforconnor

Hey Connor,
I remember the day like it was yesterday, the challenge to beat or tie the PACER test to go get lunch. You worked so hard since 3rd grade and it all paid off. So excited and exhausted at the same time. I am fortunate to be able to tell each student every year the the record is held by you. I will always have your name on the board buddy! Miss you
Coach B

Imus Family,
I have struggled to put words together. I am so sorry for your loss. We only coached Connor for two years, but he was an absolute pleasure. He was an outstanding soccer player, but we had a lot of good players. But I cannot remember a time we ever had to be stern with him or that he did not do as we asked - that was not the case with all of our good players. He was a leader on that team even though he was not full time with us. He easily worked in with the core players and got along with everyone - it would have been so easy with a different kid for their to be conflict.
Tanner and I were driving through Montrose in the mid-afternoon on Sunday May 5. He and I had not talked about Connor in probably at least a year, maybe 2. On that Sunday we did. Maybe because I saw Matt at the track meet. Tanner's first words were that he remembered Connor scoring the goal that won us the tournament in Denver against a team from Wyoming. That was our first big tournament win.
What made it tougher, is that Tanner and I were on our way to a Swift Water Rescue course in Dinosaur National Monument. I have taken the class many years and I do not remember the instructor talking about the canals that Connor had to face. I have asked him to include that in his class and he has said he will. Sure it may not be what all the kayakers and rafters want to hear and it may not be the big rapids that they are thinking about. But these canals are where everyone lives and most of these people have never taken a swift water course to know the dangers that are there. The canals are more dangerous than any rapids in Dinosaur.
I saw the article about the coroner. Please let me know how I can help. Maybe we should consider something bigger, state law. Please know that even if these don't get put into place, Connor may have already saved someone. Your slideshow at the funeral was wonderful and horrible to watch all at the same time. Your pictures could have been our pictures, your family ours. It is clear that your family is loving, supportive, adventurous, kind and athletic. Our boys have two dogs that they love, they are teenagers, they could easily do the same thing that Connor did. We have talked to them about canals, I am sure hundreds of others have as well. He could have saved our boys lives.
Thanks so much for allowing us to know and coach Connor. It was an absolute pleasure. I will not forget him.

I met Connor when I was in 8th grade. I was new to Columbine and knew very few people, he was one of the first people I was introduced to. He was so kind to me throughout the whole time we were in school together but I was especially grateful for his kindness then. One day I was getting books from my locker and he was at his, which was right next to mine. Someone walked by me and said hey, calling me one of my various nicknames which I had not been introduced to Connor as. He immediately turned around and looked at the person talking to me and just said “Her name is Gabrielle.”
For some reason that always stuck with me. He was so kind and willing to stick up for me it brought, and still brings, a smile to my face. Connor was one of the most genuinely kind people I have ever met. Even though I never had the privilege of being extremely close to him, I always thought of him as a friend and will always be beyond grateful for the kindness he showed me. He is missed so much ❤️

Connor,
I drove up to Sunset Mesa yesterday evening to watch JT play soccer, and to visit your ashes. It's so sad to stand before the vault that holds your ashes - but not your spirit - and offer prayers up for your family and that you are happy and at peace.
You would have been proud watching JT play soccer. He has this calm, collected way about watching the field - when he's not directly on-ball - and vocally supporting and leading his teammates as they navigate the defense and plan their next move. When on ball, it's nothing but confidence. He knows his role on defense and plays aggressively, but also controlled. It was fun to watch. If you were there in body, I can imagine you would have been cheering at moments, and offering "brotherly advice" at other moments. :-)
Connor, you are missed...

Thanks Mat and Emily for bringing Connor into this world. Thanks for being great parents. Thanks Connor for being who you were. Thanks for all the good memories and smiles. Sorry to all for your pain. Time will heal the pain. Connor will never be forgotten.

I miss Conner he was such a great guy he didn’t deserve to die u will always be in our ❤️~marissa

I didn't know Connor personally, I did however go through Middle School and Columbine with him being a grade older. I never got to know him but the one thing I do remember most about Connor is his ability to make anyone laugh and smile. You didn't even have to know Connor to understand that we was that kind of person who saw the good in the world. Who was always positive. Connor, we will truly miss you. Rest in peace. Show the other angels how it's done. To the Imus family, I am truly sorry about your loss and I wish you all the best.

When the Imus family first moved into our neighborhood, it meant that all of us had 3 new kids to play with, and years later I would get to babysit them (which really just felt like me hanging out with friends that were slightly younger).
Connor was just 3 years younger than me, so whenever I would babysit, he was more like my right-hand man. He would always mess around with JT and do whatever he could to beat him in the games that we would play, but he would always go easy on Sarah and make sure she got a chance to beat him. Whenever JT and Sarah got into a fight, he would always take her side— mostly because he loved to mess with his brother.
The funniest memory I have of Connor is when my sister and I were at his house, and we were all looking through their box of sports equipment for something to play with, and Connor pulled out his “cup”. I can remember Abbey asking him what it was, and Connor got all wide-eyed and confused and said “What do you mean what is it? You have to wear one too!” And Abbey and I couldn’t stop laughing, but he was too young to know any different. I’m pretty sure it was the only time that we knew something he didn’t, and even when I would babysit he would always have the answers.
Thank you Connor and the Imus family for the impact you that had on me when I was growing up, I’ll never forget it.

Connor and I shared a PE class my junior year of high school. I’m not an athletic person, so PE was always a dreaded course. I was used to being chosen last for all team activities. However, Connor chose me to be on his team every single time without fail. The highlight was when he chose me first to be on his basketball team. It made me feel so happy that this amazing basketball player chose me to be on his team, and made an effort to include me in the game. During the game passed me the ball and I made a layup. It was the only time I’ve ever enjoyed PE. It was all thanks to Connor.

My daughter Ellie is in Conner's class. Ellie isn't always the most motivated student, but in 6th and 7th grade she was really accelerating in math. I told her how happy we were with her math grades and Ellie told me to thank Conner Imus. Turns out Conner and Ellie had a bit of a competition going when it came to their math grades. Conner almost always edged Ellie out by 1 or 2 percentages, which infuriated her! Thank you Conner, for pushing Ellie to work harder at math. I asked Ellie if this had continued through high school, she said no, that she had finally given up trying to keep up with Conner and that instead he just tried to help her. :) Thank you for raising such an impressive young man, and for setting an incredible example. Romans 8:28.

I remember the day Connor and his family moved into my neighborhood. I think it was the summer of 2009. All of the neighborhood kids were outside watching in excitement that we were about to have three more friends to play with. Connor’s grandma saw my sister and I standing outside and she invited us over to their house to meet them. After that day, we became best friends and would hang out every single day of summer and after school. I remember going to their house and then coming to mine, playing Mario Cart on the Wii for hours. We would always yell at J.T. and Connor for standing way too close to the screen and us not being able to see. I remember playing volleyball in my yard with Connor every day of the summer until it got dark outside. When I was younger, Connor was truly my best friend and someone I could always rely on. We drifted apart when I went to middle school and he was still two grades below me. My senior year of high school, I was able to hang out with Connor again a few times and would always talk with him in the parking lot. He was such a friendly person even after the years we lost touch with each other. I remember always looking forward to seeing Connor because almost every time I was going home or leaving my house, we would drive past each other and Connor would wave to me with the biggest and brightest smile. I went to college this year and every time I came home, I would look forward to driving past Connor in the neighborhood because it always brightened my day to see him. I remember my senior year Connor picked me up from my friends house to take me home because I didn’t have a ride. I had never been inside his car but I always thought his car was so cool. When he took me home, I told him how I thought his car was so awesome the whole way to my house. Connor was such a light to so many people including me. I’m so thankful to have grown up living down the street from him. Thank you for everything you were Connor.

I met Connor when he was in seventh grade, I had just transferred to columbine as an eighth grader! That year, I became super close to his group of Friends! They invited me in and they became my whole worlds. From Dairy Queen every Wednesday, sneaking candy into movie theatres, and so many fun memories I can’t even name them all!
In the fourth grade I really wanted to play football but never went through because they wouldn’t let me play because I was a girl. After becoming super close to this group of friends, I had gone to almost every football game they had, as well as watched Connor and his group of boys play in AAU basketball. I have been following those boys and their basketball career since the seventh grade until this past season!
I’m a senior this year and I was just telling my friend that I have been watching this team evolve and just have truly watched them glow on the court together as a team. I am headed off to college next year and Connor is one of the reasons why I am pursuing sports journalism.
Being able to know the inside scoop of the team’s practices,coaches, and real life was such a blessing. Seeing their passion displayed on that court really impacted me.
It has been an absolute privilege getting to know Connor and watch him share his passion of sports with me. As well as always helping me by texting me workouts!
Connor was one of those friends that even if we didn’t talk every day if I needed to he was always there to catch up or check in with!
Sending love to your family and healing thank you:)

I knew of Connor for years since I was a band kid and sat in the stands watching him, he was mesmerizing. First semester, Connor and I were in the same AP Physics class. We sat directly across from each other. The first couple of weeks we had some awkward face to face moments and not too long after that it got to the point where we’d make faces at each other and laugh. My most fond memory was once in class, we were doing a small group lab and I can’t remember what the tool was called but we all had to share it and take turns. My group needed that tool and I’m looking around trying to see who had it and next thing I know, Connor, who has it balancing on the top of his head was staring right at me. This made me giggle. As I walked up to him asking if I could borrow that, he grabs one of the tiny little weights needed for this lab, which have hooks on them, and sticks it into my ear (I have gauges) with the response of, “I don’t know. Can you borrow it?” I’ll never forget that day. Second semester I had dropped that class, but everyday since then, Connor would hold the door open for me when leaving for lunch and always, and I mean every single time asked me how I was doing, how my day was going etc. It really sucks now when I leave for lunch because I no longer get to see him. He is just such a beautiful being. It was an honor knowing him. Thank you Imus family.

Connor was the greatest person. He was always so friendly and kind, and he always encouraged me to follow my dreams. I'm middle school I was just learning how to use my voice, and our choir class was so shy and embarrassed to sing. Connor wasn't, he sang his heart out. It was on that day that i gathered up the courage to sing in public. And connor was the first to ever tell me that my voice was good. It was also during that year that I decided that I want to go to Julliard. And everyone kept telling me that I couldn't do it. But connor always told me you can do it your voice isms so good you can do it. He just kept telling me almost every day, that i could do it. I thank God for him every day since he us. That you Imus family for sharing someone so amazing with me. Thank you<3

I’ve known Connor since 6th grade, we had almost all of our classes together, we would hang out with our friends during school, and go to Dairy Queen after school. I remember in PE when we chose teams he would always choose me first, cause we both were so competitive. He has always been so kind and helping. Whenever I missed school for golf tournaments, he would text me and let me know what we did so I wouldn’t get behind. I’ll miss watching him play basketball and talking with him in class. I’m going to miss him so much ❤️❤️ But I know that this was Gods plan for him, and I know that one day I’ll get to see him again. All of my prayers to the Imus Family, from me and My family

Over the past 3-4 years I was blessed with the opportunity to get to know Connor at family events with the Brown Family. I can remember the first time I got to meet Connor and his siblings and commented to Levi and Tia (Brown) about how well behaved and kind they are. That fact really stuck out to me being as they were all so young, I believe Connor was 13 or 14 then.
As time went on, Connor and myself got to the point where we immediately recognized each other out and about and I considered him a friend of mine. He ALWAYS was the first of his siblings to come over to me and say hi. We’d catch up, laugh, joke around a bit, then he’d continue to wrestle with JT or harass Cole Brown.
What really stuck out to me though was the fact that he was always the first of the “kids” in line to give out hugs when either of us left the family events. Usually right behind his mom and Levi, lined up to hand out hugs. He never missed an opportunity to make someone feel special and worthy, I have a feeling I’m not the only person to have experienced that from Connor.
To his parents- there are no words that will ever bring Connor back to us, but he will certainly live on in our memories. Thank you for raising an amazing person and giving us all the opportunity to experience the great young man Connor will continue to be.
With deep sympathy and love,
Nathan Way

I had the pleasure of having math class with Connor every year since freshman year. This year I also had AP Lang with him second semester. And somehow we always ended up next to each other. He was so very smart, he helped me with problems and I helped him. Just last week, we were filling him in on our boy drama. He was so into listening about it, it was so entertaining. I would give anything to be able to talk to him again and hear him make fun of our drama. You have such an amazing son and I am so glad that I got to know him as a classmate and as a friend❤️ My thoughts and prays are with your family, Connor will be loved and missed!

Imus Family,
As a coach at MHS, I really appreciated all that Connor stood for. He truly was the example of what we want our student athletes to be. I enjoyed watching him compete and lead. He had mentioned to me in April that he was really thinking about playing football next fall. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to coach him. We will definitely never forget Connor at MHS and he has impacted so many people including myself.
I also wanted to share what a great memorial service it was today. I couldn’t help but sit there thinking to myself that God really does use tragedy for His kingdom. There were hundreds of people that heard a wonderful message about God’s saving grace. Connor is the reason why that church was packed today. Everyone loved Connor. Montrose is lucky to have the Imus family, and thank you all for your wonderful witness of faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

I didn’t know Connor, but to the imus family and friends, I am so sorry for you’re loss, I wish I could have known him. At the service today the memories that were shared, made me feel as if I missed out on an amazing soul. Thank you Connor for making the crowd go wild, and making me pay attention to the basketball games when I was there. Rest easy Connor

I had heard of Connor, but if we're being honest who hadn't. Going through both middle and parts of high school with him a grade above me, I assumed he wasn't unlike any other popular person. He had the athleticism, looks, grades, and persona of all the other people that's were placed on pedestals, so I never gave him much thought. That entirely changed this last summer. I work in the aquatics area of the rec center and with that comes many many hours spent at the field house, specifically in the hot sun. I had been having a particularly exhausting day and I was coming off the waterslide into my break when I stopped to watch mere toddlers attempt to play T-Ball. Connor was there trying his absolute hardest to help them, but they of course were ages ranging from 3-5 so it was definitely a struggle. And yet, he never lost patience. His smile never left his face. He never stopped supporting them. I remember sitting there for the entirety of my 20 min break and watching in utter awe at the kindness that he possessed beyond his years. The following school year, now this past one, we passed eachother every white day in the hallway between first and second period. Each time without fail he'd wave to me. I'm not even certain he knew who I was, but he wanted to brighten my day when I'd started it with a stressful class. And now I miss that. My heart aches for his family. And I hope that he's receiving all kinds of good karma in heaven.

If the hundreds of people who came to honor Connor is any indication of the kind of person he is, he is loved. Hearing the words shared about him was a testimony to his character, his devotion to family, his zest for life, his love of that round ball, and his determination to get it in the net.
Matt, as hard as it was, you did a wonderful job sharing about Connor. I think what you said will impact Connor's many friends for a long time to come. You made it count-you made everyone there think. As proud of him as I know you are, I have to believe he is also pretty proud of you. You got it right and that's what's important.
You and your family were blessed for 17 years with Connor. What a gift!

To the Imus Family-
The one thing I remember the most about Connor was a specific afternoon in honors Chemistry. Connor was always my buddy on class work, and he would always help me. I remember sitting down frustrated from not understanding a concept in class and Connor patting me on the back and helping me through everything. The one thing I remember is thinking to myself was “How on earth can someone be this smart and talented as a student athlete?” From that day on I looked up to Connor as a role model and he inspired me to be a better leader in the classroom, on the field, and a more positive person.
Thank you so much Connor, for your everlasting impact on me and countless others.

I’m a freshman and I didn’t really know Connor, but during the first few weeks of school one of my classes got changed and I was trying to find the room, I must have looked pretty stressed because Connor stopped me and asked if I was okay and then he showed me where my class was. It wasn’t a huge interaction but I really appreciated it.