Hugh Bernard Conrad
1933 - 2011
How do we sum up a life? We share stories and memories, each of us with a different but unique version. Hugh left us all with a story or two, usually they ended with a smile.
He was born, Hugh Bernard Conrad March 27, 1933 to Barney and Louise in New Westminster British Columbia.
Hugh was ten years old when the family moved to Penhold Alberta, this is where Hugh would attend school. It was there in that schoolyard standing on the pitcher’s mound he would unleash a rare talent, that talent was playing ball. He could pitch a fastball like no other could for many miles around. Later in his life some old timers would slap him on the back saying “another time, another place Hughie and you would have been in the big leagues.”
In 1951 the Conrad’s headed to the Peace River country and Bear Canyon became their home. In 1954 Hugh’s life as a farmer began with the purchase of his homestead on the frosty 33. Hugh, his Dad, and brother Gordon cleared and broke the land through sweat and toil building it into the farms they have today.
During winter months through the earlier years the brothers would go to work in the logging and sawmill industries trying to make ends meet, of course returning to the farm when the spring work beckoned. Japanese truck to pick them up and take them to pick cucumbers, and with their wages they each bought, guess what … hats.
Hugh worked one summer for a local farmer, Carl Clay. This particular summer turned out to be a life altering summer for Hugh for it would be there he met his soul mate, the farmer’s daughter Shirley.
They had a whirlwind courtship, going to dances, hay rides, ballgames, picnics and such and they fell in love.
They wed in October 1956 farm life became family life when Darla arrived in 1957, Cindy in 1958 and Greg in 1963.
As the grain farm grew so did the cattle and all the work that went along with it. Hugh would often be found in the barnyard driving the farmhand, hauling pails of chop, or watering cattle just to name a few daily chores that needed be done. He worked tirelessly because he loved his life and the choices he made in it.
The farm became his life to some he shared growing advice, to others veterinary skills and we teased a “ Dear Hughie column” He offered encouragement,, inspiration and more often than not laughter, he sang a song or two, made a couple of double plays and an umpire who would roar … STRIKE THREE…YOU’RE OUT…Baseball was just one of Hughies passions he also enjoyed curling, golfing, fishing and even threw the odd ringer in horseshoes not mention the countless camping trips where so many memories were made.
Hughie believed the greatest gift in life was his family. He took the role of husband and father as his greatest reward and blessings for a life well lived.
Hugh was an honest hard working man who provided well for his family. He would use his callused hands to turn the soil, or rustle some cattle or pound some nails to make shelter for a friend and neighbour. With Hugh’s gentle manner he could comfort a grandchild who scraped their knee while learning to their bike by placing their little hand in his and dry their tears with hugs and love.
Gifts for Hugh were not of material possessions, rather they were things like being able to look in the eyes of his wife Shirley and to see comfort and contentment or to hear her quietly humming in the kitchen when she didn’t know he was watching. To be able to rest his head at night knowing he did the very best he could that day.
Hughie never liked a fuss to be made over him, as a matter of fact when discussing this celebration of life he only wanted whatever it was that would make things easier for his family. Hugh didn’t have a selfish bone in his body.
He could bring a calmness to a room just by entering it, he was a loyal and trusted friend, he was loved by many as is shown here today.
Hugh had the unique ability to entrust someone’s confidence within moments of meeting them, you could feel his integrity even before he spoke. He taught his children to live with compassion to walk the walk. To live by your word and to make decisions and not look back.
Hughie was an ideal example of someone going that extra mile, he believed in the golden rule of treating others as you expect to be treated, to love your neighbour as yourself, and to give of yourself without expectation of receiving something in return. It was in giving that Hughie received.
Though Hugh was vivacious, charismatic and the life of the party so to speak there was also a quiet private man who held a strong conviction for what he believed in and what he held close to his heart.
He strived to do his very best in the day. He loved the land secondly, the new growth and life it would bring and the freedom it would give of working until exhaustion.
One of the attractive things about Hughie was he never saw himself any better than anyone else, we were all equal within his eyes, with equal rights and equal opportunities. He was a gentle and caring man. When anyone went to him with a heaviness in their hearts, Hughie wouldn’t just listen to you and offer advice rather he would sit and hear every word you say and then offer compassion or understanding just as the prayer that was read earlier, He would comfort rather than to seek comfort for himself.
Hugh’s grandchildren often referred to him as their hero, when it is you who were his. He loved you all so very much he hoped and dreamed you would each reach your full potential in life.
Hugh got such joy from his little great granddaughters, he loved them all so dearly each one of them brought such a special gift to their Poppa.
This world is a better place because of Hugh, I believe we are better people because of knowing him.
Hugh was a son, a brother, a husband, an uncle, a Father, a Grandfather and Great Grandfather and of course a friend.
He was loved so much because he loved so much.
There was a phrase given to Hugh in the days before his passing which he took comfort in and knowing Hughie I’m sure he hoping today you too will too
…..Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened……
A Celebration of life service was held on February 16, 2011 at the Cherry Canyon Recreation Centre, Bear Canyon, Alberta.
John Stevenson officiated
and Hugh’s nephew Terry Clay read his eulogy.
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