Photo Credit: Emuel Aldridge

John Conaway, a skilled and popular local tree service operator, fell to his death Wednesday, Oct. 4 while working on Holman Avenue. A limb to which he had attached his safety rope broke off and carried him down with it.

Conaway was an artist in his work, climbing trees in his familiar cowboy hat and wielding his chainsaw like a sculptor. The risks inherent in such work caught up with him and brought a shocking end to a full and complex life. His many customers, who marveled at his artistry and appreciated his reasonable charges, usually came to look on Conaway as a friend—frequently a friend in need.

A celebration of John Conaway’s life will be held Monday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the ballroom of Graduate Athens, 295 Dougherty St. The service is open to the public, and anyone who would like to honor Conaway’s life is welcome; attire is casual.