Daniel Stephen O’Connor

Daniel Stephen O’Connor died on April 1, 2021 in Oakland CA.  He is survived by his son, Zachary Orion; his siblings Claire Alison, Heather Lynn, Bradley Stuart, and Jennifer Lee; his Aunt Stacey and Uncle Jeff; and his many nieces and nephews.  Daniel had sadly been missing from his family for several years, and while the circumstances of his death are tragic, his family is grateful to the people who were kind enough to offer a street person help on the morning of his death.  This kindness gives his family a great deal of comfort in our loss.

Dan was born to Sandra Lee O’Connor (nee Smith) and Michael Frederick O’Connor on May 23rd, 1973.  Daniel was a blond haired, blue eyed boy with a quick smile, and a great love for his siblings.  As they moved on, and his parents separated, Dan spent many years as his mother’s main family companion living in California and New Mexico.  He met and married Virginia Medlock and had Zackary Orion in Taos in 2004.

Dan was an artist, self-taught guitarist, and chef.  He dreamed of a homestead on the Mesa and was committed to sustainable and organic living.  He loved rocks and crystals and made jewelry from the materials he found.  He was a sweet, kind, compassionate soul, generous to a fault, and wanted nothing more than to please people.  He struggled with an undiagnosed mental illness as a young man, then tried valiantly to remain compliant to his treatment, especially for his dearly beloved son, Zack.  His disease was hard to manage and it got the better of him.  He spent his final time in the literal forests and the “concrete jungle” of northern California, likely befriending and witnessing to those he encountered.  His life was hard, though being a father brought him great joy, and his family is happy he is at peace.  And to offer the promise to care for his son, Zack. The family of Daniel Stephen O’Connor has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com