To the Skelding Family,

I’m so saddened and crushed by Conor’s passing and so sorry for your loss. It’s one of those things that will never make sense.

I overlapped with Conor at Ignatius and on the rowing team for only a year, and saw him only every now and again afterward when he was in town, but his intellect and thoughtfulness came out in every interaction I had with him. Having a naturally pleasant demeanor is a skill, and a rare one. He had it.

I always enjoyed following Conor’s journalism career from afar while I pursued my own and when mine began. His writing voice mirrored his personality and character. It felt authentic. Reading him made you smarter.

The world is dimmer without the ray of light Conor was. He will be missed in every corner of life he touched.

Much love, Patrick Engel