To the Deighan/Skelding Family,

I met Conor during my first water practice-likely in 2009-2010. Conor was a confident St. Ignatius student coaching our “old lady” R.O.W. boat. Conor took his role seriously and had multiple suggestions/tips for most every part of my stroke-hands, body angle, slide recovery, blade depth, etc. Once we were back on land, I joked that it may be easier if he-in the future-just told me what I was doing right. We shared a laugh and I knew at that point that Conor was a special and caring individual to take time in explaining so much to me.

My favorite Conor interaction was when Jenn Gibbons, Kelly Anderson and I were in NYC for the Golden Oar Awards (2011). While stopping by Columbia to see Conor on our way to the airport on Sunday, he asked Kelly and me whether we liked our respective gynecologists-this seemed a little odd until he raved about his amazing mom and how she would be a great doctor for us. What 18-19-year old has the chutzpah to talk to older women about their OBGYN needs-we loved it! He was obviously very proud of his mom. ❤️

Please know I have been thinking a LOT about your family the past few weeks-I knew Aidan the best and my heart breaks for all of you. I can thank Conor and the whole Skelding family for making me a rowing fanatic.

Yours, Sarah Donovan