Cori Connors: Judge Dave Connors retirement open house

Effective work, accomplishments, great aesthetics, magical design... these are all of little value without people. God Himself, having created the most magnificent things, crowned his work with the creation of people. We are nothing without each other.

I have long believed that there are no accidental crossings. Our lives intersect on purpose. The Lord did not command us to love our lives, he commanded us to love each other. The happiest people I know are the ones who have learned to master this, regardless of the condition of their lives.

The day we celebrated Dave’s retirement from the judicial bench was sweetened by the presence of people we love. I do not use the term love lightly. While many would profess to like most everyone, but love only a select few, Dave and I would say the opposite. We love broadly and sincerely. We love, not only because we were commanded by the God we trust, but because it feels natural. When I remind myself that I love everyone I find it easier to accept, include and embrace. Like comes later, love comes first. I’ve also learned that I can love someone and not particularly enjoy them, and that’s ok too.

We love and like every human soul who came to honor Dave’s service the other day. People of social and political consequence, whom we consider dear friends. People whose daily employment made them part of Dave’s circle of friends. People who share our DNA. Folks who share our faith and community spirit. And, no doubt, spirits who once occupied bodies who love David as well, hovered in the light above us. The greatest, most memorable part of this celebration were the people.

The Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court, the President of the Utah State Senate, The Presiding Judge and fellow judges in various state courts. Other State Senators who are dear friends, church leaders, business leaders, city leaders… these are the kind of people with whom Dave interfaces in his work. These are the people who also call him friend.

Judge Mike DiReda

Stuart Adams, President of the Utah Senate

Mike DiReda, me, Dave, Stu Adams, Chief Justice Durrant

Trial Court Executive, Glen Proctor

Judge Connors

Yours truly

Associate Presiding Judge Ron Russell

Well deserved applause

Chief Justice Durrant

And just as important and valued in our hearts and minds are those who find comfort in more quiet places, with varying degrees of passion for public exposure. We rejoice in the variety of people who occupy our hearts. David is Christlike in that he is no respecter of persons. All are alike to him. These all call him friend. Good people from many places joined us at the courthouse on Thursday March 9^th, 2023. We preserve the pictures to make it easier to preserve the memory.