So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Fond memories of working with him at Madera PD. Rest in Peace Rich.

Jack and Heidi Foley

I can’t tell you which year I met Richard Conness, but I will forever remember the moment. As a Ranger in Yosemite National Park for over 40 years, I have meet a number of families who have an exceptional association with that most special National Park.  The Conness family has perhaps the most significant association of any.  Back in the Spring of 1864, in the midst of our country’s bloody Civil War, when no one knew whether America would remain a single country or become two, eight years prior to the creation of Yellowstone National Park, commonly known as “America’s First National Park,” a United States Senator from California, John Conness, introduced a federal law to protect Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove.  This law was signed by President Lincoln and not only protected Yosemite for all time, but also gave rise to all other National Parks in America and the creation of the National Park Service. 
About 30 years ago I was at a function of the non-profit organization, The Yosemite Conservancy, when I saw someone wearing a name tag – “Richard Conness.” I wondered “Is this a common name? Could this person be related to THE Senator Conness?” Introducing myself to Richard, I felt that this dapper gentleman not only felt honored by my appreciation of his family name but was also a bit shy of the notoriety.  This chance meeting gave rise to my family meeting his lovely wife, Rosita, and our many decades of friendship.  Richard was a supporter of The Yosemite Conservancy and volunteered his time in Yosemite National Park. When I learned of Richard’s death on May 23, 2023 the world felt sadder to me, but I knew that the world had been brightened by the efforts of his Great-Grandfather John Conness, and that Yosemite National Park, and the World, had benefited by the efforts of Richard D. Conness.


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Richard Dudley Conness

6 noviembre, 1936 – 23 mayo, 2023

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Richard Dudley Conness

6 noviembre, 1936 – 23 mayo, 2023

Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

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