Obituary of Gerald Irwin Conrad

CONRAD, Gerald I. “Shorty” Pictou, NS 1922-2021 Surrounded by the love of his family, Gerald Irwin Conrad passed away peacefully Sunday, January 31, 2021, at the tender age of 98 in the Maritime Oddfellows Home, Pictou, NS. Born in Pictou, he was the son of the late William and Matilda (McEwan) Conrad. Remembered affectionately as “Shorty the Barber”, Gerald barbered for over 50 years, cutting the hair of multiple generations of families in the area. Known for his quick wit and comedic ways, you knew he liked you when he joked and gave you a little roast. Always on the go, Gerald was a longstanding member of the Eastern Star #1, IOOF, joining in 1943. He was Past Noble Grand, and a lifetime member. He enjoyed Thursday evening tea with friends after his IOOF meetings. In his 60s, Gerald took to seeing more of North America, and ventured out on bus tours, seeing parts of the United States and Canada. Painting and woodworking were two of his great loves. After moving his barber shop to his private home, he could be found in the woodshop creating pieces for friends and family, or sitting and painting. He was also an avid walker and would meet up with friends each morning in retirement to walk his beloved dog, Maggie on the Jitney Trail. Walking and chatting every morning with friends and strangers alike, was a joy. Saturday nights in the family home were always eventful, with Hockey Night in Canada. Gerald and his treasured nephew Doug would watch the hockey games together, Gerald in his room and Doug in the living room, often communicating about the referee calls through the wall with a knock or a bang. Treasured memories of the two. Gerald is survived by his niece, Sheila (Edward) Varner; nephews, Jerry (Valerie) Roach, Donald Roach, and his very special niece, Jane Delaney. He will be lovingly remembered by his great nieces and nephews. He will be missed immensely by his niece, Jane Delaney, with whom he shared a special and unbreakable bond. A very important part of Jane’s life, Gerald was also an integral member of a growing family after Jane married. He was a loving uncle to both Jane and Doug, a doting great uncle and happy babysitter after their first and only child was born. When the family moved, Gerald moved. He continued living with Jane until circumstances took him to the Maritime Oddfellows Home. Gerald adored his great niece Brooke (Brian). They could be found out and about most weekends together before she moved away. Friday night dinners, trips to the movie theatre, and Saturday afternoon dates to the mall, they loved their time together. Blessed later in life with 2 great-grandnieces, Gerald was over the moon in love with Emma and Chloe and enjoyed their visits, their hugs, and could be found giving them a ride on his rolling walker. At the spry age of 86, Gerald happily demonstrated to Brian, from Arizona, how to scoop snow in a blizzard. Always up for a challenge and laugh. Along with his parents, Gerald was predeceased by siblings, Ernest (Lois) Conrad, Winnifred “Winne” (Pat) Roach, Art (Doris) Conrad, and his loving nephew Douglas Delaney. The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing staff at The Maritime Oddfellows Home for the tremendous love and care that Gerald received throughout his stay. A public funeral will be held Thursday at 2PM from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Pictou with Rev. Shelly Chandler officiating. Burial will follow in Seaview Cemetery. Masks will be mandatory. Donations in Gerald’s memory may be made to the Maritime Oddfellows Home.