Murphys, CA…John Conrad passed away at Sonora Regional Medical Center Unit 6 after a long illness. John was the son of Charles Smedley Conrad and Leda Annie Conrad (nee Young). He was born in Sycamore, Illinois. The family moved to the San Francisco Peninsula in 1932. John is a graduate of Hillsborough Grammar School and San Mateo High School. He was active in sports, student government, and played clarinet in the high school band and orchestra as well as the local Boy Scout Band.

After high school he attended San Mateo Junior College and the University of Oregon, but left early to serve his country in Korea and Japan. He served in both U.S. Air Force and the Army. He finished his military service as an army supply sergeant in Japan.

When his military service was over, he re-enrolled at the University of Oregon to complete his degree. He met his future wife, Barbara Dspain, the summer of 1954. They finished their degrees together, and John went to San Francisco for the First Western Bank training program. They were married June 16, 1956.

John began his banking career in San Andreas as chief clerk with the old First Western Bank. Their daughter, Stacey Jane, was born in 1958 and daughter, Dana Ann, was born in 1960. From San Andreas he moved to further training and eventually became a commercial loan officer and branch manager. A son, John Douglas Despain, joined the family in 1969.

John’s career path took several detours, but he retired as a loan officer for Union Bank in Walnut Creek.

Travel and model railroading have been life-long interests of John’s. He has created a model railroad in every house he has lived in. His travels included all the states, except Alaska, and many European countries.

John and Barbara retired to a home in Forest Meadows in 2000, feeling like homecoming from where they started.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara Dspain Conrad; daughters Stacey Jane Okimoto (Jerry), Dana Conrad Karcher (Steve); son John Douglas Despain Conrad (Ann Marie); granddaughters Katy Karcher, Mary Karcher, Sarah Okimoto and nephew Charles English (Kate). He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Conrad English.

Services will be held at St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church 4355 Hiway 4, Avery at 11 a.m. June 17. Parking is very limited.

All are invited to the after party in celebration of John’s life at the Forest Meadows Hilltop Clubhouse 737 Buckthorn Drive. Wear something bright – it’s a celebration!

Donations may be made to your favorite charity or the San Mateo High School Music Booster’s Club ”for the band.” Box 4327, Foster City, 94404 Att: S. Delurgio