Community comes together for Conner and the McGowan family

By Garrett Kalt —  Many Fallon residents opted for coffee on their Friday lunch break. At noon, the service line at Stone Cabin Coffee flowed out the door. Inside people embraced one another, shared a warm smile, and repeated completed coffee orders to aid the hardworking baristas. People gathered to support the McGowan family who lost their beloved son Conner in a car accident Sunday night. After the family’s personal announcement, Stone Cabin Coffee shared their condolences in a Facebook post – now shared over 300 times – declaring that: “This Friday every penny made at Stone Cabin, from open to close, will go to the McGowan family. Our hearts are with them as I’m sure yours is…” When Katie Hamilton showed up to the local coffee cabin at 10 am that Friday, she was moved to tears by the number of cars and people. “It’s amazing what this community can do when we come together,” Katie said. “That’s why I love Fallon so much.” Conner was Katie’s boyfriend. The two walked together at high school graduation in 2018, and Katie said Conner inspired her to continue school. “Conner was a very special person who was loved by many,” Katie said. “I’m going to finish my degree for him.” Stone Cabin Coffee owner William “Butch” Hamilton is Katie’s father. After the accident, Katie said her dad came over to check on her. The two grieved together and came up with the idea of supporting the McGowan family by donating the proceeds from Friday’s sells. The Facebook announcement brought hundreds of Conner’s friends and family together from near and far, including California and Elko.  One of Conner’s friends drove from school in California to be back home to support and grieve. “The circumstances are sad, but the support is amazing,” said Butch. “It’s been overwhelming emotionally with everyone coming in and donating.” According to Butch, by 1 pm five to six hundred people had stopped by to support. He commended his hardworking employees and said they decided to pull their tip jar and work all day to raise funds for the McGowan family. Butch said that Stone Cabin Coffee was built to bring people together and foster meaningful interactions. “What I’ve seen here today is family. Everyone showed up… It says a lot about this community.” Thank you for the space you occupy in our hearts and minds, Conner. May you rest in peace. Services will be held on Saturday, Nov 16 at 2 pm, at The Gardens Funeral Home, 2949 Austin Highway, in Fallon, NV. A potluck will follow at the McGowan household.       Read all the local news at The Fallon Post.