William “Bill” Earl Conrad, 75, born in Shreveport, Louisiana on December 18, 1946 passed away on May 17, 2022 in Yakima, Wa at Apple Creek Family Homes. Bill retired from Tacoma City LIght (now Tacoma Power) in 2001 at the age of 55. Prior to that, he got his training and journeyman status at Idaho Power.
Bill grew up in Union Gap, as did his wife, Leanna (Mills). They graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1965 and were married September 2, 1966. They moved to Boise, Idaho where their children, Katie and Isaac, were born. They moved to Tacoma, Wa where he spent the rest of his career at Tacoma City Light. Oftentimes arriving early to get in a game of cribbage before the shift started. He always told us kids that we should leave early enough for work to have a flat tire, fix it and still be on time! They returned to the Yakima Valley in 2002 to be closer to family. They enjoyed spending time in Ocean Shores, where they built a beautiful home together to enjoy. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a hard-worker with many lifelong friends. Bill was an amazing carpenter. He made carvings, tables, and many other beautiful projects. He was well-known for his sturdy rocking horses. He made countless horses for friends and family and donated many to the local women’s shelter. At their home in Tacoma, he built a greenhouse where he grew many plants. He loved starting tomato plants that he would share with anyone who wanted one. He even grew one for his buddy dog, Sadie! He enjoyed camping and some of his favorite places were Conrad Meadows, Montana, Yellowpine, Idaho, and Alaska. His favorite place to be was in nature that he often called “God’s Country”. Some of the special times with his children were taking Katie to Reno, NV for her 21st birthday and multiple fishing trips to Alaska with Isaac and some of his friends. The cousin’s hunting trips to Montana and ice fishing to Nevada were also a highlight of the year for him. The last major trip he and Leanna took was an Alaskan cruise with family and friends.
Bill is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, daughter Katie, son-in-law Andrew, son Isaac, daughter-in-law Kirsten, grandchildren Mackenzie, Samantha, CJ, Ella, Olivia, and Karder. Also, sister Sandy Conrad, sister Toni Amell and brother-in-law Rod,brother John “Jack” Conrad and sister-in-law Noreen, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Ida Ruth Conrad, and younger brother Lew Conrad.
A very special thank you to staff at Apple Creek and Memorial Hospice for his wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to enjoy and respect the nature surrounding you. “If you pack it in, pack it out!” A Celebration of Life will be held at 21 Conrad Road in Selah on Sunday June 12th from 2:00-4:00 pm. If you are a recipient of one of the gifted rocking horses, please bring it with you to his celebration as an added tribute.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6