Lorne Joseph Conrad

CONRAD, Lorne Joseph

With great sorrow we announce the passing of Lorne Joseph Conrad on Friday, March 12, 2021 in his 93rd year.

Lorne was born on June 24, 1928, the third child of twelve and the eldest son of Cecilia Susan Conrad (Hummel) and Arthur Joseph Conrad, both born in Trout Creek, Ontario. His siblings are Rita Valiquette, Alma Micus (deceased), Geralda Hinschberger, Maurice, Mervin (deceased), Lloyd, Louise Bessette (deceased), Clarence (deceased), Walter, Desmond, and Steve.

Lorne loved his family. He married Grace Delorme on December 28, 1951. In their 70 years of marriage, they raised four children, Ken (Sara), Keith (Marilyn), Carol (Rene,) and Sandra (Neil). Lorne loved to tease his 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and he always had treats to share.

Possessing a strong work ethic and desire to be successful, Lorne left home to work at age 16. In a very short time, he became building supervisor at the Hydro Electric dam in Mattawa. After he married Grace at age 22, he moved to Sudbury and quickly worked his way up to shift boss at Creighton Mines. In 1959, he returned to Chisholm to run the family farm after the tragic death of his father, sister, brother, and niece. Always ambitious and forward-thinking, Lorne developed the family business into a five-farm operation at its peak with dairy, beef, and hogs. He also built and ran a successful business, Conrad Wholesale Inc., well into his 70s.

Lorne was a man of many strengths. He had a faith that never wavered, yet he was always progressive in his beliefs. Lorne was loyal and moral, with a strong sense of right and wrong. He believed people deserve respect and dignity, especially those in difficulty. He was kind to those less fortunate and helped many people in need. He cared deeply about justice for those unable to defend themselves.

Lorne was well known and respected by many locally and across the province. He was tireless in serving the community. In particular, he served 32 years on two local school boards, a role he took great pride in. He worked with the Canadian Farm Credit Corporation, the East Parry Sound Liberal Association, and served on many other boards and associations.

Even though his life circumstances prevented him from attending university, he was extremely well read, possessed a vast store of knowledge, and had a sharp mind. One of his biggest regrets was not being able to become an engineer, but he was successful in so many other ways.

During the last 8 years of his life, Lorne was a devoted caregiver to his wife Grace. Lorne did not know the meaning of giving up. He spent his life providing for his family and helping others yet found it difficult to allow people to take care of him.

Lorne, Dad, Papa, you have been greatly loved and you will be dearly missed.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Lorne’s life will be announced when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. For those who wish, donations in Lorne’s memory to Nipissing Serenity Hospice or the Heart and Stroke Foundation are suggested (addresses below). For assistance with donations, or to leave a tribute or memory for the family, please visit paulfuneralhome.ca or call Paul Funeral Home, Powassan at 705-724-2024.