Michael Bradford O'Connor

Michael “Mike” Bradford O’Connor, 71, passed away at the home of his daughter in Rock Springs after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mike moved to Rock Springs after his retirement in 2010 from the IBEW local 112 Kennewick, WA and was a former resident of La Pine, OR and Pasco, WA. Mike was born in Hillsboro, Oregon to Eugene Bradford and Betty Jean (Correri) O’Connor, at 7 years old the family moved to their farm in Mesa, Washington. After graduating from High School Mike enlisted in the Navy and spent 4 years stationed in Hawaii. In 1970 he married Nedra (Turner) Berry and that same year their daughter Shawna was born followed by Michelle in 1973, and Joseph in 1977. They would divorce in 1981 but would remain friends. Mike worked at a couple different large farms after being discharged from the Navy but found his lifelong career when he returned to trade school and completed a Journeyman Electrician program. He was a member of the IBEW Local 112 in Kennewick, WA but traveled all over the western US working union jobs. He made lifelong friendships with his brothers in the union. Upon his retirement in 2010 Mike moved to Wyoming to be closer to his kids and the activities that he loved. He enjoyed hunting, fishing with his son, horse races, gambling at the OTB, and found a new and much-loved activity in gold mining that would take him through southern Wyoming and into Arizona. Survivors include daughters Shawna Simpson and fiancé Stephen Ball of Rock Springs, Michelle Matt (Tony) of Craig, CO, Joseph O’Connor of Rock Springs, ex-wife Nedra Berry of Reliance. Siblings Suzanne Baggenstos (James) of Pasco, WA, Kelly O’Connor (Lynda) of Mesa, WA and cousin raised as a brother Lonnie Volz (Karen) of Mesa, WA, Niece Bobbie Stallings (Robert) of Pasco, WA. Grandchildren Alex Cohen of Portland, OR, Tayler Drake of Virginia, Justyn Cox of Elgin, OR Tawny Decker (Kaden) of Craig, CO, Cole Derrico of Sterling, OK. Great-grandchildren Brayden Cohen of Portland, OR, Lainey and Maddex Drake, along with many IBEW brothers and special friends. No services will be conducted as was Mike’s wishes. His children will scatter his ashes at his favorite spots. Condolences may be left at www.foxfh.com.