1937 — 2022
Darel Albert Conrad was born to Warren Albert “Ab” Conrad and Vilate Penrod Conrad on July 19, 1937. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on December 3, 2022.
Darel loved many things, family, friends, the ranch at South Fork, and playing the accordion, but his greatest love was his beautiful wife, Linda Jean Lamb who stole his heart shortly after returning from his LDS mission. They married in the Salt Lake City Temple on November 3, 1960, and were blessed with 10 wonderful children.
Darel grew up on the South Fork of Provo Canyon, near Vivian Park, working the land, tending animals, hauling hay, and following the footsteps of his beloved father and grandfather. They raised thousands of sheep and he knew every step of those mountains where he learned life lessons and developed his love of work. He considered this area of Utah the most beautiful area in the world because of the work and sacrifice that his family had put into it.
As a young boy Darel also enjoyed ballroom dancing and continued dancing with his sweetheart Linda throughout their lives. If there was a dance at Conrad Ranch, we knew just where we would find them, dad would grab mom’s hand any chance he could and off to the dance floor they went, with or without music, it was beautiful to watch them dance together and see the love they had for one another.
Darel was given a great gift, that gift was an accordion which Dad learned to cherish the rest of his life. He devoted the time and effort to develop an unmatched skill of playing and performing. He organized and was part of bands and groups that played at dances, parties, and events, performing at Salt Aire, as well as dance halls throughout Utah. Darel even took 2nd place in the state music competition.
Darel was very independent and quickly realized what he wanted to do in life. In 1963 he opened Galaxy Music on University Avenue in Provo, UT where he sold pianos, guitars and all musical instruments. However, his “bread and butter” was the accordion. He taught accordion lessons to hundreds of beloved students who became part of his family. There are many who remember his “Bass, Chord, Chord” lessons or being gently reminded to use the correct fingers on the bass hand.
Then, in 1970 he and mom moved their store to Orem and changed the name to “Conrad Music” where he continued to provide service to many and was an established, successful business in the area.
In addition to serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission, he also served in many callings over the years and enjoyed the relationships developed in those capacities. He served as Branch President to the Orem assisted living facility which brought him great joy. He served as a Primary and Sunday School teacher, Young Men’s advisor, and as councilor in Sunday School and Elders quorum presidencies. One of his favorite callings was the many years in the temple baptistry with his beautiful companion Linda. Darel stated he was always amazed to see so many young men and young women, many of whom were grandchildren and family members, coming to serve the Lord. His children and grandchildren were touched by their example of service.
Darel is survived by Linda, his wife of 62 years, Son, Mike (Laurel) Conrad, Son, John (Lisa) Conrad, Son, David (Stacie) Conrad, Son, Bryan (Trish) Conrad, Daughter, Deborah (Gary) Schow, Son Christopher (Nicole) Conrad, Daughter, Christine (Scott) Finlayson, Daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Walker, and Son, Matthew (Jenny) Conrad, 33 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren. There are thousands of people who love and will miss him and appreciate his example of love and hard work.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Albert and Vilate Conrad, Father and Mother-in-law, John and Kleva Lamb, and Son, Stephen Conrad.
The Utah Valley Music Man has played his last note.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Sunset Heights 6th Ward Chapel, 500 South 600 West, Orem, Utah. The family will receive friends at the Conrad Ranch, 5591 South Fork Road, Provo, Utah, on Sunday, December 11, from 2-5:00 pm, and at the church Monday, from 9-10:30 am prior to services. Interment, Eastlawn Memorial Hills. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Primary Children’s Hospital at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/give 801-662-5959
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