BRIAN KEITH CONROD
Born: April 9th, 1935
Passed in: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia
Passed on: June 23rd, 2017
Brian Keith Conrod began his transition to the spiritual world surrounded by his family on June 23, 2017 in Sydney. Born on a windy day in on April 9, 1935 to John William (who taught him the basics of engineering) and his mom, Beryl Dorothy (Langille) (who ensured that education was formal) in the hamlet of Tuft's Cove, Nova Scotia.
Growing up he and his sister, Glenda, Mom and Dad lived in a little two room house overlooking the harbour, where they were poor but incredibly happy; when younger brother, Deryk joined the clan they had a bit more money but had no less fun. Dad spoke of those days with fondness; it was the time when he had freedom to roam, have adventure and cultivate his passion for knowledge.
A hard worker from a young age; he started with a small paper route of 125 papers which kept him in all the pepperoni he could eat. As he got older his jobs got more complex and he successfully blended work with his studies and several athletic pursuits including football, volleyball, baseball, and curling. During this time Dr. Bloom, his math teacher, recognized his innate talent in math and offered him a deal, “I’ll teach you the mathematics, you teach me the English”. Dad took him up on that deal and never lost his passion for math – one rivaled only by the love of his life his wife of almost 60 years, Phyllis Bertha. The adventures continued as they raised their family from coast-to-coast living in Montreal and California (Canadair) where Michelle and Laura joined the family, back to the East Coast (Defense Research) where Cheryl came along and then, finally, to Cape Breton where he spent 27 years teaching Engineering at UCCB and raised Sarah and John. This move was inspired by his dedication to the Baha’i Faith, where Brian and Phyllis pioneered to help establish the Local Assembly of Sydney and spent their lives in dedication to spreading the teachings of Baha’u’llah. He was especially proud of his ties to the Native communities of Cape Breton. Dad was known for many things, his huge smile, his selfless dedication and his love of music and a good story.
Brian is preceded by his parents and sister, Glenda Neiforth (Alvin)
Brian is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Michelle (Troy Sweet), Laura, Cheryl (Scott MacLean), Sarah (Robert Harrison) and John; brother, Deryk (Lorena); grandchildren, Chelsea, Frank, Zachary (Cassandra) and Amy; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation and funeral service to celebrate the life of Brian Keith Conrod will be held in Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Sunday, June 25, 2017.
A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2-3 p.m. with service to follow at 3 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel. Light refreshments will be served in the reception area following the service. Interment will take place in Oakfield Cemetery, Marion Bridge.
Donations in memory of Brian may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be forward to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.
