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
Mai-yu and Gordon
Major Michael Froess, LdSH(RC)
My sincerest condolences to all of Major (ret'd) Conrad's family and friends.
Perseverance
Clive Milner
To Susan and Family .
Saddened to learn of Walter’s death .
An officer and a gentleman , and unforgettable character . Loved being with soldiers and they responded to his leadership . Highly respected by his peers for his competence and great sense of humour . His presence at the many events and reunions he attended was always appreciated and a morals builder for us all . His efforts to establish the Dragoon Guild was outstanding . May he Rest In Peace .
Clive Milner .
Ed Storey
I had the pleasure of serving with Walt on several FCWM committees. As Veterans from two different eras, his was Korea, mine was UN, NATO and Afghanistan, we shared a bond and a few tall tales. He was quite the character and always a gentleman, I will miss his humor and inciteful advice. My sincerest condolences to his family over his passing.
Capt (Ret'd) Melvin Lee
You will ALWAYS be my favourite dental patient and Korean War Veteran. The Republic of Korea owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace, Walt
John Kim, LdSH(RC)
To Walter and family: thank you for your service to country, community, charity, and family. The nation and Regt have been blessed by Walter’s presence and character. As a Korean immigrant, I am particularly grateful for his service in my motherland. I will cherish our conversations at the Ottawa Chapter RMC Alumni functions and at the AOM.
Georgina Fitzgerald
My sincere condolences to Gretchen and Paul and their families. I always enjoyed my interactions with Walt. He willingly shared his time, his knowledge and his musical talent with the Ottawa community and we're all grateful for that.
Crystal Hill
In May 2019, the Toronto nursing home that I work at granted a wish for one of our residents to go to Ottawa. During our trip, we visited the War Museum and we met Walt. We were only supposed to meet with Walt for an hour or so, but he gave us a great gift of time and knowledge and spent the entire morning with us and then joined us for lunch.
Walt left an everlasting impression with us, and our resident spoke so fondly of him until he passed away a few months later.
Thank you so much Walt for your knowledge, and the experiences that you shared. We promise to always remember.
Sending our deepest condolences to Walt's family and friends during this difficult time.
Brian Tannenbaum
Walt is a dear friend. A tremendously sweet and sincere gentleman. I miss him greatly.
Ian Guthrie
I only knew Walter slightly but I write principally on behalf of Dick Graham who was a PPCLI comrade with Walter in Korea. In Dick's later years I drove him to Korean Veterans' events and reunions where I met Walter., again! ( That's another story) Dick is now incapacitated but I am sure he would want to be with Walter in spirit and with his family and friends to remember a fine Canadian and a brave and worthy soldier.
Dear Sue,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We miss Walt terribly.
Mai-yu, Gordon