Edward Gabriel Conrad Jr.

FUNERAL HOME

Mothe Funeral Homes, LLC - Algiers

1300 Vallette Street

Algiers, Louisiana

Edward Conrad Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Edward Gabriel Conrad Jr.
Start: 2020-03-29T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Compass Point Events

Edward Gabriel Conrad Jr. known to all as Eddie, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2020. Eddie is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sandra McGarry Conrad, his children Gibby Conrad and wife Ginger, Charlie Conrad, Abbie Conrad James and husband Alan, Wolfie Conrad and Gina, and Stuart Conrad. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren Katie, Casey, Kylie, Lane, Nari, Salem, Vera and 6 great Grand Children. He is also survived by his two brothers Larry, and Don Conrad. Eddie was preceded in death by his first wife Nari Udell Conrad and son Mark Conrad. Eddie was born on Lagonda Plantation Near Patterson, LA on Bayou Teche. As a young boy his family moved to New Orleans where he remained the rest of his life. Eddie founded his business, Compass Marine, in 1963 with his first work boat. Over the years, Compass grew to 47 boats and over 400 employees, as well as fleet and repair services. Eddie was a story teller who loved to share the history, stories, and experiences of our inland waterways and how the river shaped America. In 1990, he founded RV River Charters, a cruising campground on barges specially designed to carry RV's along the bayous and backwaters of Louisiana. In 1995, he realized his dream, Riverbarge Excursion Lines. He built the River Explorer, made up of two hotel barges pushed by the Miss Nari. Guests traveling on the barges gained insight into the hard work and dedication it takes to work on America's inland waterways. He is the recipient of numerous awards including, NOLA Propeller Club Maritime Person of The Year, GNO Barge Fleeting Assoc Maritime Man of The Year, Seamans Church Institute River Legend, Maritime Safety Assoc Millennium Award, National Rivers Hall of Fame National Achievement Award. Eddie, a man with unique ideas, was at his best on river time enjoying life up and down America's inland waterways. The family would like to thank all those who cared for him at Westbank Lighthouse, Precision Nursing, and Heart of Hospice. Join the family for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 11:00 am. Compass Point Events, 200 Opelousas Ave, NOLA 70114. Mothe Funeral Home, 1300 Vallette Street, Algiers, LA in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may view and sign the online guestbook at www.mothefunerals.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Conrad

Sponsored by Mothe Funeral Homes, LLC - Algiers.

8 Entries

Todd Nilsen

July 23, 2023

Although we were not close, I always admired Uncle Eddie. He really came from nothing in life, but accomplished so much. Wish we could have been closer. RIP.

Bill Campbell

January 28, 2021

No one like Eddie Conrad. Miss you!!!

David Mauk

April 9, 2020

Dear Gibby & Charlie,
Your dad, & your mom too, were huge influences in my life. It was in 1972 when I first met you both. I was that yankee hippy from Ohio River country in Cincinnati who worked on the Gibby C, Nari & the Lagonda way back in the day. Your dad of course was larger than life, despite his rather laid back disposition. It was his life experiences & stories that grabbed me. Your mom was my Diana, the ideal adult woman. Smart, sassy & everything else. In our lives we have but a few defining events. Meeting your family & working at Compass Marine days after high school graduation was one of my big two. Life changing. Eddie, Nari, your family, the Compass Marine crew were game changers in my life. I've never forgotten & always am grateful. Loved Elfi like a second dad. One of my life regrets is not making regular pilgrimages to NO over the years. And, btw I visited the Aston Martin factory in February with Eddie very much on my mind. Very best wishes to you & your families. David Mauk, Portland, OR

Donnie Hanberry

February 8, 2020

One of the best guys I've known since high school; a great friend, wish I had spent more time with him....God speed Eddie.

Donna Bloedorn

February 7, 2020

Death leaves a heartache No one can heal. Love Leaves a memory no one can steal.

My deepest condolences.

Donna Bloedorn

Skippy Trahan

January 31, 2020

You met me in the shipyard when you had your dream of the River Explorer come to life. I will never forget that meal and you asking me to be one of the first crew members onboard as a Activities Director. I have so many great memories and you are not only the reason for them but a huge part of them as well. I know that you are up there dancing in those bright red shoes. Rey easy my friend and we all can say We DID IT ON A BARGE as your bumper sticker that we smacked on most bridges as we passed under them said.

Frances Manzitto

January 31, 2020

I met Eddie when the Riverbarge Explorer began visiting Clarksville, TN. I looked forward to his visits and have thought about him many times since the barge stopped coming. He was truly one of a kind and I will continue to smile when I think of him!

Gene Cazayoux

January 30, 2020

There is a famous quote that says If I have seen further, it's by standing on the shoulders of giants. I worked for Eddie and Nari from 1975-1982. What an inspiration he was to me. He was certainly a giant to me. He leaves behind a void that will never be filled.

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