Troy Conner

Troy grew up in Central Florida, on a lake and just an hour from the beach, where he developed a deep love for the water - whether barefoot skiing, surfing, or scuba diving. He loved to spend time in the ocean and especially loved visiting the Bahamas, a place he was fortunate to experience often. Troy embraced the lifestyle evoked by Jimmy Buffett and channeled that ethos throughout his life, living as and how he wanted. He ultimately spent close to 30 years on Hilton Head Island, where he owned various sailboats and tugboats that he would restore and outfit with the latest gadgets.

Troy was born with a natural curiosity and talent for design and creation - traits he undoubtedly inherited from his artistic and accomplished father and grandmother. He spent a great deal of time observing and thinking deeply about things, and he had a penchant for fully immersing himself in anything that piqued his interest. As a teenager, he became an accomplished photographer, a passion and talent that stayed with him throughout his life. He also made his own skateboards, skate ramps, and surfboards, spending countless hours steaming wood and molding fiberglass to craft the perfect gear, all while honing his skills as a draftsman and creator.

Troy also had a love for the mountains of western North Carolina, where his family spent significant time until his father’s passing in 1994. He lived there during his 20s and early 30s, building a house and working as a draftsman until he discovered a profession that truly sparked his interest - working as a steeplejack. This career combined his passions for rock climbing and engineering. He traveled all over the United States and the Caribbean, installing and repairing towers for a company based in Virginia, before eventually founding his own company. Until his death, Troy continued to spend time in the mountains and requested that his ashes be scattered in both the ocean and the mountains, as he held deep affection for both.

Though somewhat reserved, Troy was cherished by many as a dear friend, a sage, and an all-around great guy. He is survived by his mother and sister, as well as an untold number of people who loved him and whom he loved. His untimely passing will be deeply mourned by all who loved him. Rest in peace, Troy, as you sail into forever.