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
LCdr Hubert Tong, RCN
Bob Anglin
I enjoyed socializing with Walt many times when we met as volunteers at the War Museum. I shall miss him.
J.R. Digger and Nancy MacDougall
Sincere condolences to Susan, family, RMC classmates of Walt, Barbershoppers and choristers who sang with Walt, fellow Volunteer Interpreters of the Canadian War Museum, Members of the "A" Team and all whose lives were touched by him. We will miss him.
May God grant his soul eternal rest.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
A memorial tribute donation has been made to the Sing Canada Harmony Scholarship Fund to honour the memory of Walter Conrad, brother officer, friend, fellow volunteer and fellow quartetter/singer. Rest well my friend.
5276 J. R. Digger MacDougall
President Ottawa Branch, RMC Alumni Association
BRIAN KERR
Walter meant a great deal to me through our association in Barbershop Harmony singing. His easy smile and deep bass voice will be memories of Walt I will carry with me.
Kathy McGirr
Uncle Walter has played many roles within our family throughout the years. When I was younger he was just the father of our cousins but when my parents passed he became the head of our side of the family. He took on this role with honour, a sense of humour and love. His presence was captivating during family gatherings at Tom’s house. He shared stories about our Mom and history about their life on the Island. These stories brought our parents and Chris’s Grandparents back into our lives.
His love of children and carefree nature was apparent as he allowed Chis and Kate to put ties, ribbons and clips in his hair.
Over the past years Uncle Walter took on the role of a father figure and Grandfather.I appreciate the support he offered after my parents died and the ongoing love and interest when attending and being a part of our family celebrations. Your whole body bear hugs always made us feel loved, welcomed and cherished.
I will miss your stories, your laughter and our telephone conversations.
You will be greatly missed.
Kathy McGirr
Sgt Rob Tereposky
My deepest condolences to your family. His service and contribution to Canada and his community was selfless and, he set an example for us to follow. He will be missed.
Capt(N) Ret’d Louise Siew
I loved my time with Walter at the War Museum and he has made an enormous contribution to his Country and Community. My sincere condolences at your great loss.
Mark Tunnicliffe
I enjoyed working with Walt at the War Museum and keeping up the friendly Army/Navy rivalry. He was a great representative of the Canadian Army to the public. A great Canadian.
Joyce Phillips-Johansen
I have known Sue and Walt for 25 years and shall miss his cheerful booming bass voice and his ready smile. RIP, Walt.
Linda Colwell
My deepest sympathy to all of Walter's family and his army of friends. He was a respected member of the Friends of the Canadian War Museum and a mainstay among the Museum volunteers. Our chats always left me uplifted and happier because or our interaction no matter how long or short the encounter. It was an honour to have known him.
Thank you Walter for your service to Canada and thank you too for your continued devotion to your country thru your volunteer work. We were very lucky and blessed for your efforts and kindness.