Maj. (Ret’d) Walter Conrad passed away peacefully with family by his side at The Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus) in the early morning of January 29, 2022. Walter is predeceased by his parents, Col. F.B. Conrad and Florence Conrad (nee Lantz) and his sister Bess McGirr (Robert). Walter is survived by his wife Susan (nee Denyer), his daughter Gretchen (Mark Shulist), his son Paul (Jennifer Nolan), his grandchildren Merina, Devon and Rigel Shulist (Anisa Yan), and Amy and Julia Conrad, and his first wife Jacqueline Newton. He is also survived by his nephews Tom McGirr (Joan) and Rob McGirr (Kim), and by his niece Kathy McGirr (Dave Taylor).
Walter started his life journey in Charlottetown PEI where he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1949. After graduating from the Royal Military College (Kingston, ON) with an Honours BA in History in 1953, Walter was posted to A Squadron of Lord Strathcona’s Horse and served as part of Canada’s contingent in the Korean War. Following the war, Walter continued his military career highlighted by a two-year stint in Churchill Manitoba from 1958 to 1960, attending the Canadian Army Staff College in Kingston from 1961 to 1963, and commanding a regiment of the Royal Canadian Dragoons in 1965 through 1966 as part of Canada’s peacekeeping efforts in Cyprus. In 1969, Walter left the Canadian Military and joined the Federal Public Service to work for Transport Canada. During this time, he completed an MA in Public Administration (Carleton University, Ottawa). Following retirement in 1984, he moved on to a third career as a travel agent, allowing Susan and Walter to pursue their shared passion for travel.
Walter was an active member of the community and will be missed by all who knew him. He was a member of the Korean Veterans’ Association, including serving on its Executive. He was also a friend of the Canadian War Museum, spending time as a volunteer interpreter. He was awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation (2015) for his outstanding volunteer service. He enjoyed singing and acting with the Capital City Chorus (since 1979), the Savoy Society of Ottawa (since 1986) and the Orpheus Musical Theatre (since 1987). He volunteered regularly at the Ottawa Mission Homeless Shelter, including taking the time each year to help serve Christmas dinner to those in need.
Thanks to the staff in the Emergency Department at the Civic, for their sensitive and gracious care.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 19, 2022, at 10:00 in the Sacred Space of Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave. The family will receive condolences one hour before the service. Interment to follow at a later date.
Due to government-imposed restrictions related to COVID-19, attendance will be restricted to a limited number of individuals, advance registration for the funeral is required at walterconrad.29.22@gmail.com
For those not able to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed click here to register for the Livestream service. Advance registration is required.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Perley-Rideau Foundation, Canadian War Museum, Soldier On, or to the charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Lee Slade, CWO RSigs(Ret'd)
Mike McGaugh
Walt..thank you for your services abroad, accolades and being a great friend to all you met. It was the greatest pleasure in helping out a neighbour who gave us our freedom to live our lives today.
I enjoyed our talks and fun antics.. goodbye young man and friend
Tony and Rowan Denyer and family
What wonderfully happy memories you have left behind for us. Thank you, Walt.
Jeff Holt
Dear Walt. You were a great friend, great fellow RMC grad, great veteran, great Barbershopper, great Canadian. It was a joy and an honour to know you, to sing with you, to celebrate life with you. Rest in Peace.
Tanya Chang
Walt was one of the kindest men I ever met. He always greeted you with a smile and huge bear hug, and was everyone's biggest support. He was the first person I remember meeting at Orpheus, and I worked with him many times over the years in various productions. He and Sue also came out regularly to summer concerts by the Nepean Concert Band, and I was always overjoyed to see them in the audience. Walt lived a full and rich life, and those he has left behind will miss him dearly. He was a true gentleman. My sincerest condolences to Sue, and all his family and friends.
Natacha Grandbois
It was a pleasure and an honour to work with Walt at the Canadian War Museum. He was always in a good mood, always ready to teach or show you something new and explain the use of the object or the details of a battle. He also had a wonderful sense of humour. I know the CWM will feel this loss... Thank you for your service, Walt. May you rest in peace.
Daniel Proulx
My sincere condolences Susan for your loss. Walt was a great guy and a good friend at CCC.
I extend my sympathy to all members of the Conrad family in these difficult times.
Tamara de Grandmaison - Manfred Scholermann
Remembered with love and memories
Caroline Smallman
Sue, Gretchen and Paul and families,
My, and my family's, sympathy on the loss of Walt. We have many fond memories of visits with Walt and Sue and I enjoyed many a happy lunch with Walt. He was a very warm and caring friend and cousin.
Donald Palmer, LTC, US Army (Ret)
Walter and I were friends since 1985. we had much in common: My mother was from PEI; I was in the United States Army posted to Canada; we sang together in Savoy and Orpheus. After I returned to the States, we often visited on another in our respective homes. He was a close friend. As Walt frequently said when we parted company, "God Bless".
We had a telephone conversation the week before Walter passed and spoke of our military "history", comparing times, locations and activities. Walter and I had "passed in the night" throughout our careers, when we were both present, but had not met. I mention this at this sad time because of his humor, military presence and engaging manner will be a loss to our military family. My condolences to Susan and family for their loss.