Bruce Patrick Conrad

Bruce Patrick Conrad passed away on the evening of July 8, 2022, surrounded by his family after a brief but aggressive bout with Covid pneumonia.

Bruce was born in Manhattan, Kansas, in 1941, to Maxine McCormick and Leonard Conrad. His parents divorced early in his childhood and Bruce was then surrounded by his mother and his sister, strong women who would help shape his exceptional character and ability to meaningfully connect with a wide range of people. Bruce’s stepfather Alvin Garansson played a strong supporting role in his life.

Bruce studied biology at Kansas State University. During his 35-year career with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management, Bruce contributed significantly to the long-term preservation of the country's public landscape. He served in the states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Virginia, California, and Arizona.

Bruce was the driving force of love, support, and stability for his family, which all started when he met Margaret Ann Paulson in Malta, Montana, while dining at a restaurant where she was a waitress. He instantly fell in love with Margie and proposed shortly after. Margie was Bruce’s partner in love and life for 57 of his 81 years. From Malta, Bruce and Margie relocated to Wyoming where their son Brent was born. And, only two years later, during their time in Craig, Colorado, their second son Blaine was born.

Upon his retirement in 1996, Bruce and Margie returned to Bigfork where they enjoyed a life full of travel, outdoor adventures, time with family, and community involvement.

Known for his incredible charisma and a heart of gold, every interaction with Bruce felt like the best part of the day. Pockets filled with dog treats and ever-present enthusiasm for others ensured every individual Bruce encountered was sure to feel special. Bruce’s weekends were devoted to sports, teachings about car tune-ups, and time with family.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Margie; son Brent and his children Gretchen and Tristan; son Blaine, his wife Maggie, and their children, Aidan, Gavin and Clara.

May we all aim to emulate Bruce’s example of kindness, devotion and love in our interactions with others. Bruce is greatly missed, but his spirit lives on in the lives of those he touched.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering on Saturday, July 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lake Baked, 191 Mill St. in Bigfork.

Those wishing to honor Bruce can send a donation to the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater or Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork.