Connor Tai McArthur

Connor “Bonner” Tai McArthur rocked a superstar-worthy eleven years from June 4, 2008 to August 3, 2019. He never met a stranger, only friends he hadn’t introduced himself to yet. And boy, did he love making introductions, shaking hands, and asking folks their name. You couldn’t get in an elevator without leaving knowing everyone’s name.

A frequent guest of Cook Children’s Medical Center where he was diagnosed with Pearson Syndrome at three months old, Connor could be seen roaming the halls of eleven specialty clinics there, plus appearances with other doctors at Cleveland Clinic and Dallas Children’s. He reprised his role as Elvis in one of several photoshoots for Cook Children’s, and his image can be found in various print and film media, including as a literal poster child for Children’s Miracle Network.

Connor attended O.C. Taylor and Bransford Elementary school, where he was known to swagger down the halls handing out high fives to his fans. He worked hard with his teachers on writing his name for signing autographs.

Despite never reaching puberty, Connor was quite the ladies’ man. He accumulated many “girl-er-friends” by employing his charm, wit, and fabulous hair. He has been known to ask, “Do you have a boyfriend?” before inviting someone to sit closer so he could put his arm around them. From cheerleading squads at Disney World and Disney princesses, to nurses and grocery store clerks, they all fell for this pint-sized Don Juan.

Connor was a champion marksman with his preferred weapon, the index-finger, earning TopShot badges for lobbing imaginary Cheetos balls. His other sports included being a Red Sox player in the Southlake Miracle League and stealing noses to eat.

Despite being tube-fed for most of his life, he was a food critic and connoisseur. His favorite MasterChef, Christine Ha, received high ratings when she cooked with him, but his mama’s cooking sometimes “needed more flavor.” Special menu requests were at least “three things” consisting mostly of ketchup, ranch dressing, and fried onions.

Connor’s favorite things to do included wearing matching shirts with all his “buddies,” getting autographs from anyone and everyone at Disneyland and Disney World (including the cleaning crew and other guests), singing the Star-Spangled Banner (his “baseball song”), reading books together, and giving running hugs. He also loved playing on his iPad while blocking his brothers from doing the same.

His mischievous and infectious laugh will be dearly missed by all who love him. This includes his family: Parents Michael McArthur and Alyx Vu, brothers Ian and Grayson, his grandparents, and his many, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Contributions in Connor's memory may be made to Hopekids North Texas or The Champ Foundation. These two organizations help provide hope to families like ours and other kids like Connor.

Please also consider donating blood. Connor's life was saved many times through the generosity of other blood donors. There is currently a critical shortage in our area.