Conrad Joseph Brian Lamarche passed away peacefully with his family at his side at North Bay Regional Health Centre on August 21, 2021. He was 69 years old. Born in Toronto on February 28th, 1952, Conrad is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Nancy (née White); his daughter Lindsay (Pierre Lamy), son Bill, (Amy McGrath), and daughter Lianne. He was adored by his grandchildren, Sage and Emma, and Kaleb and Greyson. Conrad also leaves behind his siblings, Suzanne Rochefort (Denis) and Michel Lamarche and their many children and grandchildren. Conrad was predeceased by his father, Roland Lamarche, mother Yvette (née Ethier), sister, Rosanne, and sister-in-law, Kelli. He is also loved and missed dearly by his many cousins, family members, and friends.
Conrad spent most of his childhood in Astorville and North Bay. After college, he travelled across Europe. He then joined the Canadian Armed Forces, and took a memorable motorcycle trip across Canada to his first posting as a a firefighter in Comox, BC. After losing his father, he came home to support his family. Fate must have had a hand in this as it led him to seek employment again as an orderly at North Bay Civic Hospital. It was here, on a coffee break, that he first met and then married his wife, nurse Nancy White. He and Nancy shared a loving relationship filled with humour and caring to the very end. Even in his most painful moments, Conrad would never fail to wake every morning and give Nancy a kiss and offer to make her breakfast.
Conrad always seemed to make an impact on the people he met. Whether he was working alongside coworkers, helping patients, or simply hanging out at home with his family and friends, he always made people feel welcome, and would always encourage them to laugh and enjoy life. His story-telling and sense of humour was legendary; and his laughter was highly contagious.
Conrad dealt with many health challenges over the past ten years, but it never changed his “joie de vivre”, his love for his family/friends, his interest in learning, and his ability to connect with people in a meaningful way. Conrad was an exceptional cook and loved to try out new recipes. Anyone who had tried his meals would often ask for the recipe, or for seconds!
Many of Conrad’s friends/close cousins and family will remember times where they saw the light of dawn with him, playing guitar and laughing while listening to music, playing poker or Pietro, fishing/swimming on Lake Nosbonsing, playing horseshoes, and sharing nuggets of wisdom about life. Conrad was a fantastic opponent at Trivial Pursuit, and still goes down in many of our family game nights as the champion, due to his vast knowledge of almost everything.
In 2010, Conrad became a grandfather. From the moment he first held any one of them, he was smitten, and he prided himself on spoiling his grandkids. Conrad was the “fun Grandpa” and it is no wonder why he had all of their names and footprints proudly tattooed on his shoulders and forearms!
As per his wishes, there will be no viewing, and he has been cremated. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, September 11th, 2021 at the Shriner’s Club (1260 Brooks Street, North Bay) between 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be dropped off at Martyn’s Funeral Home (cheques only, addressed to Salvation Army or The North Bay Food Bank).