Connors, Ed (Edward Phillips Connors) (June 2, 1934-July 26, 2022)

Dates

• Existence: June 2, 1934 - July 26, 2022

Biography

After moving to Colorado in 1964, Connors immediately became involved in the Denver Metro area's cultural institutions, including the Gardens. He has served on Denver Botanic Gardens' Board of Trustees since 1969, serving as President from 1985-1987.

At his first meeting at the Gardens, the Board of Trustees rolled out the first master plan. He joined the planning committee (eventually serving as chairman), which was in charge of building the Gardens and Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Edward has enhanced the horticultural success and fortitude of Denver Botanic Gardens ever since that first meeting. He was instrumental in creating and implementing the Romantic Gardens and helped develop the Japanese Garden with Koichi Kawana, who inspired him to study and visit Japanese Gardens.

He has served on the planning committee for Chatfield for over 30 years, even witnessing the relocation of the schoolhouse and the development of the historic working farm, His involvement led him to be elected a life trustee of the Gardens in 1997, as well as a Member-At-Large of the Garden Club of America.

Edward's commitment to the arts is evident with his 28 years of teaching history and art history at Kent Denver County Day School. While he was a teacher and President of the Gardens' Board of Trustees, he played an integral role in creating he Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). I 1984, a group of visionary community leaders, led by Rex Morgan and Edward Connors, worked together o draft state legislations that would allow the creation of a special tax district to support cultural institutions. The SCFD continues to provide important funding to over 300 organizations, including Denver Botanic Gardens.

Places

• Denver Botanic Gardens -- York Street (Other)
• Colorado (state) (Place of Death)
• Illinois (state) (Place of Birth)

Found in 1 Collection or Record: