The Flatcoated Retriever Society are sad to hear of the passing of Lorraine Connor, Gemma Jacobs has written the below.
With a very heavy heart I write about the sudden passing of Lorraine Connor, a true flatcoat fanatic she was known mostly in the Essex and south east area where she was a regular supporter of the open show scene.
Mostly know as the little lady ( she stood only 4 foot 10 tall!) with the big dogs ( I am sure they were correct, she was just tiny) she owned a number of wonderful dogs her best known has to be Sh Ch Grangehurst Galanthas “ Luke” he sired the top winning dog Ch Suford Galileo who was a major influence in the Dons kennel in Sweden , he was also Reserve Best In Show at Three Counties Champ Show in 2002, she also owned Gemswin Starman JW “ Angus” who won a RCC to his father on the same day under Mick Howes, his sister Gemswin Make Me Smile JW was also a big winner.
The boys Reggie ( Grangehurst Leucanthemum) and Ronnie ( Gemswin My Guy) who she owned in co ownership with her friend Ann McDonald ( the dalmation lady who always had sausages) followed and she enjoyed campaigning them at open shows at Maidstone and Essex venues, Lorraine was a founder member and then a commitee member of the Southern Flatcoated Retriever Club, she also served on the committee of South West Essex Canine Association.
Her latter dogs were Harlistream Astrada ( Chance) Candidacasa Lexus ( Jackson) and her current dog Gemswin Bohemian Rhapsody ( Deacon) who her granddaughter Katie was having fun showing and training in gundog work.
Lorraine was always a kind, smiley happy person who idolised her dogs ( and her tortoises!) and will be sadly missed by all that knew her, I for one will miss our frank chats and catch ups.
Her funeral will be on the 4th August at 2.30pm at South Essex Cemetery , Upminster , anyone who would like to attend please can you let me know by email [email protected] so I can inform the family.
Cards can be sent to her address 160,Elm Park Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 4RY as Katie Connor ( her granddaughter) and Deacon are at the house .