Ron Conrad

Ronald Bruce Conrad of Pincher Creek, beloved husband of Bonnie Conrad, passed away suddenly with his family at his bedside on January 13th, 2023, at the age of 78 years.

Ron was born November 6th, 1944, in Taber to Elmer and Betty Conrad.

Ron and Bonnie were married March 25th, 1967, being just short of 56 years. They moved to Pincher Creek in 1967 and started their farming life together. Ron and Bonnie have four children: Anne Marie, Brent, Robert, and Pamela.

Ron played Junior A hockey for Lethbridge Sugar Kings in 1963-64 before attending Utah State University. He played part of the session with Utah Valley Pioneers in 64-65. He then played with the Pincher Creek Sulphur Kings from 1967-1974. Sulphur Kings era was his life for many years where countless fond friendships and memories began. He also played baseball, football, curling, skiing but his love after hockey was golf.   

Ron’s love of sports has been passed on to his children and now his grandchildren. He was involved with coaching many hockey teams that his boys played on. You could always count on Ron being in the stands if he wasn’t coaching. He spent many hours in hockey arenas, ski hill, soccer pitch, and baseball fields. In their later years together Ron and Bonnie travelled most weekends to watch their grandchildren participate in sports events. Their children and grandchildren were their pride and joy which was their life. Ron was an advocate for education – ensuring his children graduate from post secondary schools.

He was extremely proud of his first grandchild Nathan Jourdin who will be graduating from Engineering in June, which he was so looking forward to attending. Emily Jourdin is attending the University of Alberta studying to become a dietician- he couldn’t have been more impressed with these kids, leading the way for the rest of the grandchildren.

Ron was a gentle giant and was known for his humor and wit. He always had to have the last word, and you would be sure that the conversation ended with a chuckle. He was positive and the glass was always half full. Ron was kind, generous and would give you the shirt off of his back. He was an excellent neighbour and loved by all. Can’t rule out his coffee crew... such a ritual he loved every day at 10:00 at A & W.

Ron was predeceased by his brothers Keith Conrad and Bill Conrad; Sister In-law Beverly Murray and brother in-laws Peter Lewis and Allen Pryor.

Besides his loving wife Bonnie, Ron is survived by his four children: Anne Marie (Mike) Jourdin and her children Nathan and Emily; Brent (Trisha) Conrad and his children Sawyer, Lawson, and Madison; Robert (Chelsey) Conrad and his children Travis, Alison, and Hannah; and Pamela (Greg) Dooper and her children Derek, Carolyn, and Rosalyn.

 Also left to mourn are his siblings Carolyn LaFontaine, Norman Conrad and Lesley, Brian and Evelyn Conrad, and Elaine Conrad and Steve.

Sister-in-laws Shirley Conrad, Carole Conrad, Karen Pryor, Carma Lewis and brother-in-law Jim Murray plus many nieces and nephews who adored him.

Ron was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. We will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Ron’s life will be held at The Pincher Creek Heritage Inn on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Following the Service will be a Luncheon, all are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Windy Slopes Health Foundation.