Richard John "Rick" Conrad – 80, Truro, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024, surrounded by family, following a brief battle with cancer. Rick was born in Leeds, England, during WWII. In May 1946, he arrived in Canada with his mother, a war bride, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In 1968, Rick met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Kokocki of Whitney Pier, NS. For 56 wonderful years, Betty, or "Bette," as he lovingly called her, was his steadfast companion, confidante, and friend. Together, they built a life and family rich in love and laughter. After many years of service with Transport Canada as a firefighter, Rick retired as Duty Manager of the Halifax International Airport.

Rick loved all things outdoors, finding joy in skiing, golfing, fishing, hunting, four wheeling, and camping.  He looked forward to his annual ski trips in his younger years, and treasured the Mooseland trips with the Conrad boys.

When grandchildren started to arrive, Rick and Betty retired to Economy, NS.  There they forged many lifelong friendships and made memories with their family.  Betty and Rick always enjoyed the local dances and the family loved seeing them dance together. Rick was keenly intelligent, a money manager like no other, and rarely was he stumped by the New York Times Saturday Puzzle or Jeopardy.

Rick adored his family more than anything.  He followed and supported Derek and Heather in all their interests.  As Grampy, he spent many weekends at the rink watching Brett play hockey, chauffeuring Josie and Abby to gymnastics, or taking Liam skiing or to soccer.  In their later years, Rick and Betty returned to Truro, enjoying a quieter life in town, where he filled his days solving puzzles, going to the Wing, and spoiling his grandchildren.

Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Conrad (Kokocki); son, Derek Conrad (Jessi Taggart), Brookfield; daughter, Heather Boyd (Blair MacKinnon), Truro; grandchildren, Brett Conrad, Josie Conrad, Liam Boyd, and Abby Conrad; great-grandson, Jaxtyn Conrad; sister, Jean Ann Athanasiou, Truro; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank Daniel Conrad, Marie Jean (Adcock) Conrad, and younger sister, Betty Hill.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Coulter's Funeral Home, Tatamagouche. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2024, in Kaulback Hall -  at St. John's Anglican, 23 Church St, Truro, NS. Reception will follow. Private Interment will be at Terrace Hill Cemetery at a later date. Family flowers only. If desired, donations in Rick's memory can be made to the Colchester East-Hants Hospice Society or a charity of choice.  Heartfelt messages, words of comfort, and memories may be shared in the online condolence section of this page.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Colchester East Hants Health Centre's Palliative Care Team for their compassionate care of Rick in his final days.