Sitter, Conrad William, age 74 of Exeter, Ontario formerly of Deep River, Ontario at his son Douglas’ home in Toronto, on Monday, August 22, 2016. Survived by his loving wife and best friend for 50 years, Bonnie (Hogarth) Sitter. Missed by his son Russell and his wife Carolina of Lexington, Kentucky, and son Douglas and his wife Elaine of Toronto. Missed by his grandchildren Riley and Chloe of Florida, and Isla and William of Toronto. Also left to mourn are his sister Mary Ellen and brother-in-law Dean Anderson of Thedford; Elaine Baynham of Grand Bend, Carole and Peter Jackson of Comfort, Texas, and Brian and Margaret Hogarth of Dashwood. Special Uncle to Nick and Carla Sitter, Bonnie Baynham and Scott Rundle, Stephen and Kim Baynham, Debbie Anderson, David Anderson, Glenda Baldwin, Chris and Carlye Jackson, Cameron Jackson and Kate Driscoll, Jennifer Jackson and Rob Hughes, Heather and Michael Griffin, and Hilary and Sean Ryan. Predeceased by parents William and Gertrude Sitter, brother George, sister-in-law Lillian Sitter, brother-in-law Larry Baynham and nephew Brad Baynham.
Conrad grew up on a farm outside of Thedford, Ontario. He enjoyed riding ponies that his grandfather raised, and carved toy guns so he could be a cowboy. His stories of his father growing peppermint and distilling it for the candy industry were always fun to hear. He attended a one-room school house and always praised the education he received there. After high school he graduated from St. Clair College and accepted a position at Atomic Energy, Chalk River where he collaboratively designed, developed and implemented techniques and equipment, that furthered our greater understanding of solid-state science. Conrad and Bonnie started a successful travel agency in Deep River and raised their 2 sons there to enjoy both the summers and winters on the Ottawa River.
He fulfilled his dream to become a private pilot and flew his family on holidays across Canada and into the United States. He was always conscious of his responsibility to ensure his family was safe, following the motto “when in doubt, don’t”.
He travelled to South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, Great Britain, Ireland, and throughout the USA. He loved his trips in Canada the most, exploring the wilderness with his family and friends. He was proud of his sons, and beautiful daughters-in-law and his precious grandchildren and especially enjoyed his last trip abroad to Scotland for his son Douglas’ wedding.
Music was a huge part of Conrad’s life. At an early age he taught himself how to play guitar and enjoyed playing and singing with his sons who shared his love of music. He was a member of Caven Presbyterian Church and sang in their choir. He also sang in the community choir, played in the handbell choir and played percussion in the community band. Conrad also enjoyed volunteering for OneCare and Habitat for Humanity.
All knew his love of canoeing and he purchased his Grumman canoe in August of 1978. His many trips on the Ottawa River, Long Lake, and Stoney Lake and to the Barron River Canyon and Kilarney Park brought so much pleasure. Conrad and his son Russell competed in the Tour De Champlain Canoe race from Pembroke to Arnprior in 1985, a thrill for both of them. Cross country skiing, attaining an 8 Ender in curling, and sailing, boating and golf were all highlights for Conrad.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Conrad’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, R. E. Pooley Branch #167, 316 William Street, Exeter on Sunday, September 25th from 12 PM Noon until 3 PM with words of remembrance at 1:30 PM.
Donations to Habitat for Humanity, OneCare, South Huron Hospital Foundation, or the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter entrusted with arrangements.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Michelle amlin
Dear Bonnie and family,
It is a beautiful day to celebrate Conrad’s life which is fitting given his love of the outdoors. You will be in my thoughts today. Hold those memories close to your heart. My sincere condolences and hugs,
Michelle Amlin and family
Cindy Fisher
Bonnie and family
So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. His obituary was a tribute to his full and accomplished life.
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you and yours mourn this loss, Cindy Fisher
Bob & Lucille Christie, Deep River
Bonnie, Russell and Douglas,
Just heard the sad news of Conrad’s passing – our thoughts are with you and families at this difficult time.
Bruce Delbridge
Dear Bonnie
It is with deep sorrow that I noted the passing of Conrad in the Exeter Times-Advocate, He will be missed in the community and the Caven Presbyterian Church. I wish to extend my condolences to you and your family during this time of great loss.
Bruce Delbridge
calvin shanks
conrad william
your prayers to the family of conrad from jessie and calvin and bev and keith
shanks
Laurie Russell
Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Pickering
Dearest Bonnie and family, I’m so sorry to learn of Conrad’s sudden passing. Thank you for sharing part of your lives with the wonderful pictures and informative obituary. I learned many interesting details of your special times together – times that You and the family will treasure ‘down the road’. I extend my sincere sympathy and warm hugs.
Marg Pavkeje
Bonnie and family,
So sorry to hear about Conrad’s passing. My sympathy to you all.
Margie
Yvonne Reynolds
Bonnie and Family. I am praying for God’s comfort to surround and sustain you as you mourn your loss. I didn’t know half the remarkable things Conrad accomplished until I read about them. In sincere sympathy, Yvonne
Brenda (Blair) Jones
Bonnie
Please accept our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies.
Brenda (Blair) and Don Jones
Gary & Geraldine Parsons
Dear Bonnie and family,
We were very sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing. The photos on the site are a great depiction of a man of many talents and lots of energy. You indeed were a couple who were best friends. May all those memories make your loss a little easier to bear.
Gary & Geraldine Parsons
Don and Joan Cann
Our deepest sympathy to you at this time.
Sheila Clarke and Denis Murphy
Our deepest sympathies, Bonnie, to you and to your family. Conrad was a beacon of friendship to all in the Exeter Bach Choir- and wry humour! We will miss him. with love and caring, Sheila and Denis
phyllis J Edwards
Bonnie and Family… I am so sorry to hear of your husbands sudden passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Prayers and Love
Phyllis
Ron and Anne Marie Mayer
Dear Bonnie,
Ron and I are saddened to hear of Conrad”s passing.
We moved to Exeter 3 years ago,not familiar with this area.You and Conrad were so generous with your time and showed us your favorite highlights of Huron County.It was a pleasure to have met such a lovely and dynamic couple.
Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ron and Anne Marie Mayer
Carl & Roseann Branston
Bonnie& Family
We wish to express our condolences
Conrad was a very special individual
His many interests , talents accomplishments, dedication to family , a loyal friend ,a deep sense of how to enjoy life!
Truly a Renaissance Man
He has left many memories & will be missed
Sending Love & Big Hugs
Carl & Roseann Branston
Larry and Joyce Black
Bonnie and family – Sincere sympathy in the passing of your dear husband Bonnie, and thinking of the whole family at this sad time.
Cy and Eleanor Blommaert
Bonnie and Family.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Andries, Irene, Casper, Maud & Flora
Dear Bonnie, Doug, Elaine and family,
So sad to receive the message of Conrad’s sudden passing. We will remember Conrad from the times we made music together in Toronto, and the weekend in Exeter when we enjoyed his and Bonnie’s hospitality. He was such a nice, friendly and caring person to be with. We embrace you from our long distance, and are close to you in our minds.
Love from Andries, Irene, Casper, Maud & Flora
Doris Glenn
Dear Bonnie and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing. Some of my fondest memories of Conrad are from his days growing up on the farm. He was always kind, curious and full of life. He will be missed.
Deepest sympathy,
Doris Glenn
Glen Tatum
Dear Bonnie and family,
We are so very saddened to hear of Conrad’s passing. We offer our sincerest condolences, friendship and support wherever it is needed – anytime.
Crissy and I are of the many who are extremely blessed to know you both and call you our friends.
May God, family, friends and so many wonderful memories, bring you all the strength you need in the days ahead.
You are in our prayers,
Glen & Crissy Tatum
Chuck & Pam Ross
Bonnie and family, we were so sorry to hear of Conrad’s sudden passing. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Carleen
Dear Bonnie and family. We were so sorry to hear about Conrad’s passing. What a truly interesting man. Thank you for sharing some of his story. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences. Carleen and Jim
Tony and Fran Relouw
Bonnie- so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. We send our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Tony and Fran Relouw
Melonie Miller
Our deepest sympathy Bonnie to you, and your family. Reading his obituary, he was a man who loved life and adventures …. Accomplished many things in his lifetime..wonderful memories for certain..
Barry and Melonie Miller
Donya Dales
Thinking of you and the rest of your family, Bonnie.
I was thinking about the time we went cross country skiing together. I’m sure you have so many happy memories of the times that you spent together.
Sending big hugs your way.
Donya and Ed
Bob & Sharon Pavkeje
Sending our sincere sympathy to your family.
Jim & Paul Augustine
To the family: Please accept our condolences on Conrad’s passing. Jim Augustine went to Public School with Conrad.
Roberta Ann Walker
Dear Bonnie and family, I was so saddened to hear of Conrad’s passing, and too far away to be able to offer much comfort. I do know that Conrad made a significant contribution to his community, and made friends everywhere he lived, and his influence was always for the better. A truly Good Man, in the finest sense of the world, caring and generous with his time and talents, gentle and patient, no matter the circumstance.
Now is the time for you to draw upon the comfort and strength of your family, friends and neighbours, Lord knows, you have supported so many of us in the past. Now it is your turn—so sit back and accept their help, mourn your loss, allow time to heal and regain your strength. Let the love of the your community wash over you and give you the courage to face the future, as all of us widows must do.
Love and (long-distance) Hugs from Brendan and Roberta Ann Walker
Glenn and Missy Pfaff & family
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept our sympathies and may the love of family ease the sadness in time.
Karen Brintnell
Bonnie & Family
We are so sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing. You are in our thoughts, sending hugs.
Deepest sympathy
Caitlin and Karen Brintnell & Family
Ken and Lois Ottewell
Bonnie and family,
We are saddened to read of Conrad’s passing and send deepest sympathy to all of you. May memories sustain and comfort you , and may the love of your family and many friends, and the love of God support you!
With warmest thoughts of our times spent together, Bonnie, and with prayers,
Ken and Lois Ottewell, St. Ives., B.C.
Carolyn McCabe
Bonnie and family
So very sorry to hear of Conrads passing. Please accept my sincere sympathy .
Donna Perry
Bonnie so sorry for the loss of Conrad. He will be missed. You will have so many wonderful memories to help you through the days ahead.
With Love and Sympathy Donna
Kevin and Linda Sinclair, and family
Dear Bonnie, Doug, Russell and family
We were so very sorry to learn of your sudden loss. Conrad was so generous and kind to us when we came to visit you all back in 2005 and again in 2007. Lisa recalls with fondness making pancakes with Conrad – and we have a great video records of us skiing and tubing near Ottawa, and ice skating on the Rideau canal. We also had a great time with Conrad and you all at the wedding in Scotland back in 2005. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you at this sad time.
Kevin, Linda, Natalie and Lisa
Carol Somerville
Bonnie and family:
My sincere sympathy to you during this very sad and difficult time.
Sonia Jackson
Bonnie, Russell and Carolina, Douglas and Elaine and children. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with the loss of Conrad, I encourage you to cling to all the good and funny musical memories of Conrad and know that he will always live on in your memories. Always Sonia
Larrie Thomson
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Conrad’s passing and send my sincere condolences to Bonnie and all his family. I worked with Conrad’s group at AECL and remember him as a diligent and competent technologist, with a healthy sense of humour. I’m glad he finally finished his home-made plane and was able to safely fly his family to so many places. Deep River has missed the Sitter family since you left but I’m happy to hear you became a big part of your “new” community of Exeter. Happy memories.
Kevin and Alix Morkin
Our most sincere condolences to you and your family on your sudden loss. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Alix
Dorothy Henderson and John Henderson
Bonnie: We are so very sad and sorry that Conrad is no longer with you and with all of us. We truly have lost a dear, dear friend. We have such good memories of Conrad and I trust that your memories will sustain in the days ahead. Blessings on you and the rest of the family.
Diane Darling
Bonnie and family – we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Joe and Diane Darling
Mary Schottroff Snopko
Our deepest sympathy to you and families! Sending blessings and prayers to all!
Ena de Haan
Dear Bonnie & family, so very very sorry to hear of the unexpected loss of your husband & friend, I have a pretty good idea how that feels……as you know! You’re on my mind and in my heart my friend! Giving you a biiiiiig hug, Ena
Daniela Nogueira
Dearest Bonnie,
We are so sorry to hear of Conrad’s sudden death. You and Conrad are part of our first memories in Exeter, which we deeply cherish! You were always so supportive, and you truly made us feel welcomed every step of the way! We will always be thankful to you for that. You were the ones introducing the Nogueira family to the joys of canoeing, and we always remember that every time we are gently sliding through the waters, in a canoe.
Our love and deepest sympathy are with you and your family.
Daniela, Pedro, Daniel & Sara
Don Hiscox
Bonnie,
I’m sorry to hear of Conrad’s sudden passing. Praying for you and your family at this time of loss.
Bob Cooper - New Jersey
Bonnie & Family
My sincere condolences and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless!
Bob Cooper
Brenda Joyce
My sympathies on the loss of a such beautiful soul.
Brenda Joyce, Pianist
South Huron Community Choir
Jim Hewitt
Bonnie – My deepest condolence and sympathy for your loss. You are much in my prayers. Con will always be with us because we have the memories.
Sandra (McLellan) & Larry Hern
Dear Bonnie and all your family,
I was so sorry to learn of the loss of your dear husband. Mom and Dad (Stewart & Lil) always spoke highly of Conrad, and his involvement with Caven Presbyterian Church. You will miss your soul mate, Bonnie…and we extend our deepest sympathy at this very sad time.
Ken & Joan, Michael & Greg Agnew
Dear Bonnie, Russ & Doug, We were saddened to hear of Conrad’s sudden passing. We have fond memories of times together in our early days in Exeter, esp. the houseboat adventure. Conrad was a good friend & will be greatly missed by many.
Our prayers are with the 3 of you as you continue on your journey with his memory in your hearts.
Jo-Anne (Harrower) Davies
Bonnie and Family – Please accept my sincere sympathy in Conrad’s passing – I sang in the choir at Knox Presbyterian Church in Thedford with him and with George, for many years. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Jo-Anne (Harrower) Davies
Mike and JoAnne Pickering
Dear Bonnie and family what a life your Uncle had and so many wonderful memories for all of you. It is sad that he past so soon as I think he had many more adventures to live for. Keep your memories close to help you through this sad time!!
George and Sue Wilson
Bonnie and family, We are thinking of you, and praying for you at this sad time. We sure had a good time at that Wedding Reception! Conrad lived a great life. Cherish your memories. With love and heartfelt sympathy, George and Sue Wilson
Ellen Shapiro
Dear Bonnie and family,
You have our deepest sympathies in the loss of Conrad . He was always there with a wry comment from the bass section. Our community is weakened and saddened without him.
Ellen, Karl, Johann and Mathias
Sandra Newton
Bonnie and family. It saddened me to know that Conrad is no longer with us. Rest assured he will be missed. May you be comforted in the light of love, today and during the rough road ahead.
Sandra Newton
Marilyn Waldeck
Bonnieand Family-It is with great saddness to hear about the loss of Conrad and trust that all the memories you shared over the 50 years will comfort you during the coming days of sorrow. Thinking of you, and God Bless.
Marilyn
Joan & David McClure
Dear Bonnie ,Russell , Douglas & Families :
We were sorry to hear of Conrad’s death. I have pleasant memories of Conrad on our McGillivray tree planting days with Andy Dixon , skating on the Rideau canal with friend Bob Campbell and Joan always was sorry for spilling some hot tea on Conrad’s hand at Huron Woods . We pray for our Lord’s blessings and comfort for Bonnie and all the family .
Love from Joan & Dave McClure .
Isaac, Erin and Asher Moore
Reading this obituary brought smiles to our faces, as it clearly shows Conrad’s life was full. A renaissance man! Our sincerest condolences on his sudden passing. The Exeter community as a whole will surely miss him and his many contributions.
Sincerely,
The Moore Family
(Isaac, Erin and Asher)
Wendi Schwindt
Bonnie and family…I am so sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing. I enjoyed singing with him in both choirs and will miss seeing him at future events. Such an amazing community member and supporter.
Jim and Mary Dougall
Bonnie and Family
So many memories of good times spent with both of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Leslie and family
Bonnie and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Draw strength from those around you and comfort in knowing that Conrad will live on in the memories shared by so many.
Al & Vickie HArvey
Dear Bonnie,
So sorry to hear about Conrads passing, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Ann DeVries
Bonnie and family
Thinking of you at this time. Remember all the wonderful family memories will help to ease the loss.
Take care Bart and Ann
Fred & Jackie Wells
Dear Bonnie and family,
Fred & I are so sorry for your loss.
I so enjoyed reading the obituary for it showed what a full life he had. Many wonderful memories that you can hold for a lifetime.
Fred & Jackie
Bill & Audrey Rowe
Sincere sympathy to you Bonnie and your family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill, Audrey & Larry
Jenny and Tom Sangster
Bonnie and family, our deepest sympathy to all of you. Both you and Conrad were so good to Nick and Carla when we all needed you. Treasure your memories. God Bless
Jenny and Tom
Maureen ( Skip ) Wood
Bonnie & Family, My deepest Sympathy in the sudden loss of Conrad.
Lorna Stuart
Dear Bonnie:
So sorry to hear of Conrad”s sudden death, Your home was the first home we had a meal in when Don and I came to Exeter. What a warm welcome!
Memories are precious, and the strength we get from God that’s what keeps us going forward.
My love and sympathy are with you and your family
sincerely, Lorna Stuart
Bill Wheeler
Bonnie and Family, So sorry to hear of Conrads passing he will be greatly missed in choir and his hardie appearance. With my sympathy and prayers.
Alvin and Mary Draisey
Bonnie and family. You have our deepest sympathy in the sudden passing of Conrad. Everyone will miss him
at the day center.
Lloyd & Cathie Robison
Bonnie and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing.
Our thoughts are with you.
Lloyd & Cathie Robison
Ruth Petersen
So very sorry to hear, Bonnie. I will certainly miss Conrad, he always had such a positive outlook inspite of his health. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. (((hugs))) Ruth Petersen
Soren Petersen
Dear Bonnie,
So sorry to hear about Conrads passing, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Soren Petersen and Lynda Crossman
Brenna and Barry Vincent
Bonnie and family,
So sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing. Treasure your wonderful memories. Our condolences to the entire family.
Kathy Mann
Dear Bonnie and family: my sincere sympathy in the loss of Conrad. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy Mann
Heidi Klopp
My deepest sympathies Bonnie and Family. MANY great memories of visiting with Conrad at various Family and Community functions.
Phyllis & Fred Mommersteeg
Dear Bonnie & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing,our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Phyllis & Fred
Dennis Webster
Conrad was like a second father to me. As a teenager outside of my parents home, I spent more time at the Sitters house than anywhere else. I felt part of the Sitter Family. Many years ago I got stuck at the bus stop in St. Mary’s coming home from University on a dark night, Bonnie and Conrad came to my rescue. They picked me up and brought me home to Exeter. On another occasion Conrad asked me to pick up Doug from camp. Doug was finishing up as a camp counselor north of Goderich. Conrad let me drive his MG to the camp. Doug and I had a great time in Grand Bend on the way home.
I have enjoyed playing music with Conrad and the Sitter family at Christmas many times over the years. I will miss how Conrad enjoyed playing folk music on his guitar.
I know Conrad’s health was poor the last couple of years. Yet I still felt welcomed when I visited. I will miss Conrad. He was a wonderful Dad. In my case a wonderful “second Dad” or “adopted uncle”. My love to you Bonnie, Doug, Russell and family.
Hugs,
Dennis
Margaret Brintnell
Bonnie & Family
Sorry to hear about your loss of Conrad. Each of you will have so many memories to cherish.
My sincere sympathy. It is a difficult time but God will provide you with added strength not only for now
but for days to come.
Karen L Brown
Bonnie, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Conrad will be missed terribly in this community.
Karen L Brown
Wayne and Chris DeLuca
Bonnie and family
Please accept our sincere condolences on Conrad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Wayne and Chris DeLuca
John and Carolyn Lori
Dear Bonnie, may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We have many memories of good times with you and Conrad. Hugs from your friends Carolyn and John.
Helen Hodgins
Bonnie, I am so very sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Don & Edith Lewis
Dear Bonnie and Family
We are sorry to see that Conrad ‘s journey has ended,
Cherish the lovely memories you have shared.
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
God Bless you All.
Jane Dearing
Hi Bonnie;
Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jane Dearing
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Bonnie and family: Sorry to learn of Conrad’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Winnie Hutton
Bonnie and family. I am so sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing. It is truly a shock. I know the clients on Fridays will miss him as will the staff at the day center. My thoughts and prayers are with your and your family at this time. Winnie Hutton.
Wendy Russell Johnson
I’m so sorry to hear of Conrad’s death. He was a a cousin as well as a high school friend. I remember many evenings listening to John, my brother, and Conrad playing music with our Mom and Dad. He was a very talented musician. My condolences to all his family.
Wendy & Dave Heimrich
Bonnie and family,
My sincere condolences on the sudden loss of Conrad. Treasure the memories.
Jim and Mary Lou Hyde
Bonnie and family, our sympathies in the sudden passing of your beloved Conrad. Hold those cherished memories close to your heart as they become more precious each day. You are in our thoughts.
Ron and Anne Helm
Bonny and Family,
Anne and I were so sorry to hear about Conrad’s passing. Please accept our most sincere condolences in this sad time. Our thoughts are with you.
Jessica Baynham
Bonnie and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Conrad’s passing. I believe he will remembered as a kind and gentle soul. Please accept my condolences and know my love is with you. I hope you find peace in the memories and love you all have shared together. My thoughts are with your family in the upcoming days ahead.
Tim Rowcliffe
So sad, My condolences to the entire Sitter family. God Bless.
Bob Simpson and Joanne Rowcliffe
Dear Bonnie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Peace to you, dear friend. With sympathy, Bob and Joanne Simpson.
Hugh and Fran McCallum
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bonnie during this difficult time. Conrad will be missed as a fellow curler.
Hugh and Fran
Bill&Marion Armstrong
Bonnie and family, We were so shocked to hear about Conrad. It was so sudden.We would like to extend our dearest sympathy and condolences.
Bill and Marion Armstrong