Loving, generous, available, fun, favorite companion
Conner was a bright star. His superpower was his sensitivity to those in need, who he helped without question in any way he could. He lit up the room with electricity and had a way of connecting to people in a sensitive, kind manner, gravitating to anyone on “the fringe.” Conner gave people rides, clothing, shoes, his presence. He felt their pain deeply, which sometimes left him feeling helpless and anxious.
Athletic from an early age, Conner loved snow sports and riding dirt bikes, a passion he shared with his dad, Bryan. They participated together in enduro riding, racing dirt bikes over challenging long-distance terrain. On one such ride, a storm moved in over the desert and they were separated, but found by search and rescue. Bryan has other wonderful memories of camping, hiking, and snowmobiling at Rabbit Ears Pass. They were simpatico; on the same wave length.
The youngest of three children, Conner enjoyed working out and playing video games with his brother, Maxwell. When his sister, Erin, brought a boyfriend to a beach vacation, Conner gave him the stamp of approval. Erin chose a beach location for her wedding because “it will feel good to be there and have Conner’s spirit with me.”
Conner was a charmer and his mom’s biggest fan, always telling her how good she looked. He inspired her to practice yoga with him. His mother, Karen, said, “He was my shopping and lunch buddy and had a unique sense of fashion.” He loved controversial t-shirts with meaningful sayings and Basquiat Converse high tops. He was her travel guide during her visits to California. They hiked, listened to diverse music, and explored new restaurants and outdoor malls.
Conner happily joined in family gatherings and traditions. He was always in the kitchen making wonderful meals. His interest in cooking led him to pursue an associate’s degree in culinary arts at Colorado Mountain College. He had visions of opening a food truck and taking it to areas where food was needed and people couldn’t afford to eat.
Conner loved traveling. He naturally adapted to his environment wherever he went, fitting right in. He visited Hawaii several times, rode camels in Mongolia, and enjoyed creole and Cajun food in Congo Square during Jazz Fest in New Orleans, where he looked for organic, handmade jewelry.
After being in treatment, Conner was doing well. He had a strong desire to stay healthy in body and mind. He started working out, doing yoga, and delving into Buddhist teachings, starting with the book Dharma Punx. Still, Conner held secrets and shame around his disease. He relapsed and died after taking a fentanyl-laced counterfeit pill.
To support others in recovery, the Bomberg family is hoping to create a gathering place where people can share in fun, social activities together. They plan to have board games, video games, outdoor activities, homemade pizza, and a supportive community, that welcomes all. As a precursor to the recreation facility, they held a camp-out for those in recovery. Over thirty people attended. They cooked, paddle boarded, journaled, and sent paper lanterns over the lake. It was a tremendous success.
“The grief is profound,” Karen stated. The family lived with the fear of losing Conner and now the emptiness of their loss. “It is a hole you can’t fill with anything,” his mom said. “Conner struggled with addiction, but he was still wonderful. I hate that our society focuses on the negative.”
Conner’s parents, Karen and Bryan Bomberg provided the information for this narrative.
August 30, 1993-November 27, 2021–Age 28
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
