Richard J. "Dick" Conrad

Richard J. 'Dick' Conrad, stone and brick mason, maple syrup producer, beekeeper, blacksmith and wood craftsman

WEST VALLEY - Richard J. Conrad, 84, of West Valley, passed away Monday (Aug. 25, 2025) at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born May 6, 1941, in Springville, he was son of the late Roy and Hazel Conrad.

Richard worked three years at Winsmith in Springville before spending the rest of his life creating masterpieces in brick and stone, his true calling. He spent his free time as a blacksmith artist, keeping bees, making furniture and producing maple syrup.

Richard was an early emergency medical technician in West Valley and was a long-time member of the West Valley Volunteer Hose Company. He was a member of the Ashford Historical Society, volunteered for the St. John Catholic Church and the Community Closet. He served on the Mount Hope Cemetery Association, Ashford Water Board and was a Town of Ashford Councilman.

He especially enjoyed time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his siblings, Robert (Kay) Conrad, Gilbert (late Joann) Conrad. He is predeceased by an infant brother, Paul R. Conrad.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Solomon-Conrad, whom he married May 26, 2001. He is survived by his children, Richard A. (Christie) Conrad, Rachel (Kevin) Hebdon, Philip (Norine) Sarikey, Curtiss (Mona) Sarikey, Rochelle (Scott) Hoot and Leah (Jose) Sanchez. He was blessed by many grandchildren, Elizabeth (Brandon) Blesy, Megan (Erik) Kessler, Kahlil (Luz) Sarikey, Caleb (Emily) Sarikey, late Zechariah (Yesnia) Sarikey, Leila Sarikey, Nicholas (Haley) Casselman, Alexandra (Mike) Skeels, Vincent (Ashley) Sarikey and Cameron Sanchez. He was also blessed by three special angels who he is reunited with in Heaven. He is also blessed by nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Devonshire Conrad, whom he married Aug. 11, 1962. Elizabeth passed away Dec. 6, 1999.

Richard influenced many people and taught many young people how to put in an honest day's work.

Friends and family may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today (Aug. 27, 2025)  at Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home, 271 E. Main St., Springville. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 28, 2025) at the funeral home. Family is invited to Mt. Hope Cemetery in West Valley following the service for final committal prayers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Closet of West Valley or a charity of one's choice.

Online condolences may be offered at smithweismantelfuneralhome.com.