Conrad Odiase

Today we celebrate the life of Conrad Odiase, a loving husband and devoted father, who passed away at his home on September 8, 2009. He was born on November 14, 1949 to Bernard Odiase and Bridget Bello in Benin City, Nigeria. He was the youngest of seven children. Conrad was well-loved and supported by his parents and siblings who encouraged his lifelong love of learning. His curiosity and passion for learning led him to pursue a higher education in the United States after completing secondary school in Nigeria. He focused on applied mechanics and civil engineering, ultimately receiving Masters of Science degrees from both the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Columbia University, New York, New York. He held positions at General Electric, Bechtel, Port Authority of NY/NJ, and New York City Housing Authority. He was also a licensed professional engineer in New York and New Jersey. In 2008, he became a lecturer of Construction Engineering at Fairleigh Dickinson University - a position that he thoroughly enjoyed. While working as a plant engineer, Conrad met Zenobia at a gas station in Oakland, CA while she was putting oil in her car. He went up to his future wife and asked "Excuse me, what does the NSA on your bumper sticker stand for?" Zenobia then introduced Conrad to Buddhism and to Soka Gakkai International (SGI), and the rest is history. Zenobia and Conrad began their family with their marriage on November 28, 1983. The Odiase family expanded with the arrival of their son Brian Connor in April 2001 and their daughter Charlotte Michele in August 2004. Conrad was devoted to his wife and his children, describing them as the "three things that brighten my life." In addition to being a doting husband and father, Conrad was also a devout Buddhist and an active member in SGI since May 1983. He was a leader in the Men's Division and provided encouragement and support to many members. As a fellow member described, "What typified Conrad is the faith that he had, he was never discouraged and he believed in the potential of others to overcome their obstacles." He considered it a personal challenge to, in his words, "win over myself on a daily basis." Conrad is survived by his wife of 25 years, Zenobia; his two children, Brian and Charlotte; his siblings Maria, Selena, and Raphael Odiase, all of Nigeria; his brother-in-law Felix Rhue (Dianna); his sisters-in-law Susan Jenkins, Wilhelmena Battle (Bobby), Joan Randall (Melvin), Sandra Rhue, Tryphena Taylor; and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.