And The Winner Is…
Conner Wiley
Tonight, we’re announcing the winner of the First Annual “Most Interesting Person in Tacoma” award.
And yes—before anyone fires up the group chat—this is absolutely tongue-in-cheek. It’s wildly subjective. There’s no panel of judges in velvet robes. No scientific scoring model. No dramatic envelope opened by a minor celebrity.
But the purpose is real.
This little “award” exists to shine a light on the extraordinary people living right next to us—the ones who don’t post about it, don’t ask for credit, and somehow keep showing up for others like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
We had some truly great nominees. The kind of names that make you stop and think, “Yep… Tacoma’s loaded with good humans.” And that’s the best part of this whole thing: the reminder that we’re surrounded by people who make this city better in quiet, steady, meaningful ways.
But this year, one person stood out.
Not because they’re the loudest. Not because they’re the most visible. Not because they’re chasing applause.
They stood out because they live what a lot of us talk about.
They are the kind of citizen who understands that the real rewards in life aren’t about recognition—they’re about impact. They help without being asked. They notice what other people miss. They show up before it’s convenient. They make phone calls, connect dots, offer rides, listen longer than most people have the patience to listen, and somehow have a way of making others feel seen and capable.
They inspire people not with speeches, but with consistency.
And in a world where it’s easy to be busy, distracted, or “too slammed,” they keep choosing to be kind. They keep choosing to be helpful. They keep choosing to be there—simply because someone needs them.
That’s not a small thing. That’s rare.
So with real gratitude—and a big Tacoma-sized smile—we’re proud to announce the first-ever “Most Interesting Person in Tacoma” is:
CONNER WILEY
To our winner: thank you for being the kind of person who quietly raises the standard for the rest of us. Thank you for the countless moments you’ve made better, the people you’ve lifted up, the problems you’ve helped solve, and the hope you’ve sparked without ever asking for attention in return.
This city is better because you’re in it.
And to everyone nominated—and everyone out there doing the work when nobody’s watching—thank you. You’re the reason Tacoma feels like Tacoma.
Now… go ahead and be humble about it, Conner.
But just for tonight: let us celebrate you!
Submission by: Madeleine Wiley
Connor Wiley, born and raised in Tacoma, loves the outdoors and works for Parks Tacoma as a Maintenance Technician. He has worked for zoo lights and worked park maintenance on the waterfront strip.
Connor loved seeing the sunrise while working on the waterfront and thought about his Grandpa Stan Wiley who worked for the City of Tacoma’s Planning department and loved the idea of having a walkway along the waterfront that everyone could use. While working on park maintenance for Point Defiance he had seasonal workers under him; they were responsible for keeping Owen’s Beach and facilities clean and ready for you to come and enjoy it! I love Point Defiance and the waterfront and did not really appreciate the work that goes into making these areas so beautiful and accessible for all of us to enjoy.
Connor has a sense of humor and posted some funny things that are left behind in the park and the fact that there never seems to be enough garbage cans at the park! Connor’s team were also responsible for taking care of all the big trees when they fell down; chain sawing is an expertise! We are fortunate to have old growth trees in Point Defiance; but when they fall, they are huge!
After taking care of the old growth trees, Connor thought it would be interesting to take care of the roses, rhododendrons and the flowers! That’s where you will find him these days. Connor in his spare time has cleaned up gulches of garbage others have left. Connor creates community: he has friends of all ages and persuasions. He listens to people and loves what makes them unique.
Our family went to Kenya this year and it was Connor that all the other tourists loved as well as the workers who are still in touch with Connor. Connor loves history of all kinds. He likes to dig in old dump sites for interesting bottles and other unique things. He recently found an old electric worker’s coin and notified the electrical union who got in touch with him about it! Connor took me to Fort Nisqually at Point Defiance a few months ago; we both loved hearing about the history through the docents.
Most importantly, he is a family man. He has been his mom’s caretaker the past year. His Mom had a liver transplant and had complications; Connor is 100% responsible for her wellbeing. He moved back home and while his mom was in the hospital, redid her yard ensuring lots of flowers when she came back home. He has worked with different agencies to ensure she has all the resources she needs. You would love to know Connor!
