William Ray Conrad

Past resident of Quincy, William Ray Conrad, passed away at Marysville Nursing Home in Beaverton, Oregon on Nov. 14, 2011 at approximately 8:30am. His son, Steve, had the honor of being by his side as he peacefully got to leave his broken body behind and go up to join the greatest choir ever assembled. He was 84 years old and had battled Alzheimer’s for the last 4 years of his life. Ray Conrad was born Feb. 27, 1927 to Will & Grace (French) Conrad in Spokane, WA. He was one of 3 children and grew up in Davenport, Washington. He graduated from Davenport High School and joined the army. He served as a teletype operator, stationed in Japan. While in Japan he also played in an Army-base football league. His kids teased him for years for him having “played football” as his contribution to the post-war efforts. After an honorable discharge, he attended EWSU in Cheney, Washington. There he met Ethel Crow, and they were married in Cheney on Nov. 19, 1950. They both graduated with teaching degrees and moved to Quincy, where they began teaching and raising their family. Ray was the high school industrial arts teacher as well the football and track & field coach. As an active Jaycee, he was instrumental in building the high-school track in Quincy, which has been named after him. He enjoyed golfing and dancing, making and sharing music – whether it be with his voice as part of the church choir or with one of his instruments as part of an early dance band, and he could make just about anything out of wood or metal. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a willingness to help others. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elaine Phillips and his wife, Ethel. He is survived by his son, Steve Conrad of Sherwood, Oregon; daughters Susan Singleton of Kasilof, Alaska and Tammy Conrad of Lakeland Village, Washington; and sister Jean Mroz of Sun City West, Arizona. He had four grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful man and he will be sorely missed by all. A memorial service will be held in Quincy after the holidays. We might even wait until early spring so more folks will be able to travel for it. Arrangements by Autumn Funerals, Cremation & Burial, Tigard, Oregon.