Dad's Words

“I’m so proud,” Bobby said the day Joshua was born. “He’s perfect. He has my hands. I bet he’ll play music someday.”

Bobby did as much for his son as I did. He diapered, bathed, fed, rocked and sang to him. Josh was a fussy baby and there were lots of nights no one slept. We didn’t have any idea that he was sick.

Joshua was diagnosed at nine months old. Bobby and I stayed in the hospital nine days with him. It was tough seeing an IV in the side of your baby’s head and watching his tiny fingers getting pricked every few hours. Bobby even had to learn to put the mg tube through Josh’s nose into his stomach in case we would choose to use the pump drip at night. But we never did this. We took turns with the corn starch feeds.

They were as close as a dad and son could be. They went fishing and hunting together. Bobby took Josh to T ball practice and attended every game he could. They loved watching movies and eating popcorn. As Josh grew older they even enjoyed mowing grass and weed eating with one another.

Bobby sat up many a night with a fevered Josh. We even had to make some middle of the night trips to the ER.

I’ll never forget the time we were shopping at Wal Mart. We were searching for a pair of jeans for Josh when a lady worker came up and asked Bobby and Josh to enter the look a like contest. After their picture was taken, it wasn’t long after when it was announced they won! They shared a twenty dollar gift certificate.

And Dad was the chief cook. Josh whispered to me once, “Dad can cook better than Ma but don’t tell her.” Bobby whipped up midnight snacks that were fit for a king. Josh loved his steaks.

Bobby worked evening shift so only talked to Josh on the phone after school. So the weekends were so important to them both. Josh often waited up for his dad or got up when Bobby gave him his midnight dose of corn starch just to see him. “Josh always had the porch light on for me. He never forgot.”

We took many family rides, never missed a fair and made a visit to the game farm every fall.

When I went to get my first guide dog, I had to stay in Columbus, Ohio for twenty eight days. Josh was only four but, Bobby took care of him and his corn starch the whole month. They drove up for a visit in the middle of my stay. We enjoyed a trip to the Columbus Zoo.

Different times Josh needed help with homework. This would be Dad’s job if he was home. Bobby was so proud when Joshua received his apprentice license for electrical, got his driver’s license, graduated high school and went on to electrical school.

“I felt true amazement and pride at Joshua’s musical talent,” Bobby said.

Josh grew up with his dad playing the guitar and banjo but just didn’t seem interested. Then one day when he was fourteen, he suddenly started asking Bobby how to play this song or how to get this cord. This was the beginning of a remarkable relationship.

Bobby was known for his music talent. People often asked if he’d give them lessons. He always said he wasn’t a teacher. I guess it was as natural for Josh as it was for his dad.

I can remember late night jam sessions after I’d go to bed. They both were night owls. I’d only object when they brought out the electric guitars. They were much too loud in the middle of the night.

Bobby’s love was bluegrass. But he liked about any music. Josh on the other hand loved the old rock but would patiently follow his dad on a bluegrass tune.

“I can’t play since Josh’s death. It just hurts too much to play alone and it isn’t the same,” Bobby told a friend. He couldn’t get over our loss.

Bobby Conrad -- June 27, 1957 ~ September 20, 2009

Bobby Eugene Conrad died at home on September 20, 2009. He was born in Sutton on June 27, 1957. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Anne Willians Conrad, his mother, Avis Conrad and Father Harry Brown. He’s prceeded in death by his only son, Joshua Adam Conrad, his maternal grandparents, Cleve and Isa Conrad and paternal grandparents Wesly and Jane Brown.

Bobby worked at many jobs from Penline, Asplundh, Department of Highways, a cowork owner of a greenhouse/nursery, and was currently employed by Precision Services.

He loved the outdoors to hunting, fishing, to gardening. His real love was flowers. He was one of the most talented musician around. He could play anything with strings. He was loved by all and will be missed by so many.