GLENMONT – William J Conrad, 92, passed peacefully at his home, Jan. 31, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Bill had an enormous appetite for life and was the type who always put others' needs ahead of his own. He was the type of man who had big vivid dreams and made them come true. He had grit like no other.
Born in Lorain, Ohio, he graduated from Lorain High School, attended Greer Institute in Chicago for diesel mechanics and was later drafted in the Korean War and served in the Army in Japan, an opportunity that almost became a career. Prior to being drafted, Bill met the love of his life, Beverly Jean Stem. The two became engaged before he headed off to Japan and a wedding ensued on his return.
Looking for a job that would provide security for his family, Bill gained employment at BFGoodrich in Avon Lake, where he remained until his retirement. In his “spare time” he was a man of action. His love for the great outdoors led him to many canoe trips, fishing and hunting trips with friends and family in Canada and Minnesota. On one canoe trip in Ohio, he came upon a valley that would become the heart and soul of his family. The Mohican River called to him and in 1971, he staked his claim. The property became a mecca for family and friends. Countless holidays and family reunions were held there. Eventually Bill and Bev retired to their slice of heaven in 1999.
In the early years, annual family vacations involved packing up the station wagon and traveling cross country for several weeks, setting up camp along the way. The family was blessed to travel to so many corners of the country. He was a scout leader for many years overseeing Sheffield Lake Troop 303. An avid canoer, he was a co-founder of Keel Haulers Canoe Club. As an entrepreneur, he created Mall Productions, North American Recreational Development and the Ohio Travel Pavilion – all successful businesses that helped promote travel and recreation within the state of Ohio. His passion for forestry led him to created “Trees for Kids,” a program that distributed white pine seedlings to children through school programs and distributed to the general population at the Cleveland Sportsman Show.
He was one of the founding members of Ohio’s Appalachian Country and held a seat on Ohio’s Byway Committee and Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He created the Wally Road Scenic Byway Association and the Friends of the Mohican River Watershed that oversaw the road being designated a State Scenic Byway, as well as the Mohican River being designated a State Scenic Water Trail. He organized and oversaw many river and road cleanups in the valley. And as his children, we give him the honorary title of president of the Ohio Chapter of Paper Hoarders. There wasn’t a single newspaper or travel guide he didn’t read from front to back and then save for future reference. Bill enjoyed participating in the church mission trips to West Virginia and Montana. The stories of Pastor Terry and his adventures are classic!
Bill was the original Google search. A steel trap memory, you could ask him almost anything and he knew the answer – from grade school teachers to bible references to facts about history (his favorite). He had stories of great interest that he loved to share. And share he did.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved parents Alvin and Christine Conrad, his sister Rosemary Winnen and his grandson Trey Elswick.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Beverly Conrad (nee Stem); brother Charles Conrad of Lorain; his children Lisa (Ernie) Underwood of Columbus, Gretchen Conrad of Jefferson Township, Erich Conrad of London, England and Melissa Elswick of Loudonville; grandchildren William and Collin Ruth, Christopher and Matthew (Catherine) Underwood and Ian Elswick; great-grandchildren Landon Sandrovich and Nicholas Underwood. All of whom he loved with all his heart and soul.
Bill leaves behind a long list of great and close friends, family members and business acquaintances.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Snyder Funeral Home-Lindsey Chapel is honored to serve Bill’s family and encourages you to share a fond memory or condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
