Conrad Byron Barber, 87, died on October 16, 2023, in Kanab, Utah. He was born on March 14, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Leonora Callister and Conrad Samuel Barber. His family moved to Oakland, California, while he was still a young boy.
Conrad married Mabel Maria Antonia Saiz on April 15, 1963. They were later sealed in the Oakland Temple; a temple which he had helped build. He and Mabel raised their children in Oakland before later moving to Kanab, Utah, for Mabel’s health and to be closer to their son, Harry. Mabel passed away at home with Conrad by her side on August 10, 2005.
After Mabel’s death, Conrad moved to Fredonia, Arizona, where he met and later married Sallie Yazzie, gaining new family he immediately loved and opened his home to.
Conrad was known affectionately by his family as Uncle Byron, Dad, Grandpa and his self-appointed name, Grumpa. He kept a notebook in his pocket at all times where he wrote down new words he learned in many different languages. He particularly favored foreign curse words, knowledge which he passed along to some of his grandchildren.
Conrad proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. He shared stories with his children about the driving conditions (often), and how he trained to be a radio mechanic, only to learn they weren’t in need of mechanics but operators. He quickly learned to operate the radios, as well as Morse code, and spent his time riding alongside the commander, much to the chagrin of his friends on foot.
Conrad’s official profession was plumbing, a job he did for United Airlines. The job required him to drive across the Bay Bridge every day, but he never tired of the view. He also spent his time racing motorcycles, riding horses, silversmithing and pigeon racing. He shared these passions with his children and later his grandchildren; taking sailboat lessons with his son Harry and teaching his grandchildren to ride horses were some of his favorite memories.
Conrad loved his family. He was always sure to have a fully stocked fridge and pantry for his grandchildren. They never went a visit without hearing him say, “I sure love you.” (As well as the occasional, “Well I’m happy, but I’ll get over it.”) Conrad’s sense of humor was hard to beat, but luckily he passed it down to his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include wife Sallie Barber and her children; children, Sandra Blades, Pete Rivera, Buck Barber, Harry (Melissa) Barber and Gary Barber; 14 grandchildren, Crystal Blades, Kimberley Ann, Kelsey Barber, Carley (Nathan) Roberts, Cody (Beth) Barber, Brooke (Stephen) Knighton, Brynli (Jake) Moeller, Kaden Barber, Mason Barber, Devin (Alexis) Nez, Christina Nez, Evan Nez, Crystal (Henry Fernandez) Nez; and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife Mabel, daughter Cora Barber and a grandchild, Haylie Marie Barber.
Private family funeral services will be held in Kanab. Interment will be at the Kanab Cemetery, beside Conrad’s beloved Mabel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to help with funeral costs at gofund.me89bs3s8e
Services were arranged with Mosdell Mortuary.