Grandfather's piano style. Culled from a casstte tape recording from the 1980's.

The only audio recording of Father's music, from 2017. His musical influence could not be overstated. That voice and guitar are my childhood soundtrack. Eulogy by Craig, the son not mentioned below, who may have missed the boat, but hit the mark. Recently, a much wiser man than I will ever be said to me, "Never abandon yourself." Truer words never spoken about Conrad. I apologize in advance for Konrad's Eulogy. Konrad was born at Mercy Hospital. Konrad had three older sisters that he looked out for. Konrad had five older brothers that he looked up to. Konrad has a son Tim, who has Conrad's work ethic in his head. Konrad has a son Adam, who has Conrad's opera in his head. Konrad has a daughter Tammy, who was adopted...sorry, bad humour again. He adored her and protected her at all costs. Konrad has eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild, who were all fortunate. Konrad was wise in matters of love and morality. Konrad was ignorant to dishonor. Konrad was generous if you asked. Konrad was generous if you didn't ask. Konrad had a sense of humor. It was dry. After fifty years, who else could still introduce Louise as his first wife? Konrad and Louise built two homes; one for hurting, and one for healing. Konrad had a voice. It was distinct. Konrad never stared. Konrad observed. Konrad had faith in all of you: Jeremy, Cass, Olivia, Dillon, Chelsea, Carly, Molly, Lincoln, Uncle Mike, Dave, Richie, Laurie, Greg, Gordon, Dan....well Dan ???? Konrad had a dog named Reegs that he buried facing east. Konrad enjoyed sunrises more than he enjoyed sunsets. Konrad's wife Louise was the one person who truly knew what was in his heart. Konrad had the same Gibson guitar since 1963. The Gibson was the one instrument that truly knew his heart. Konrad had a curiosity for everything. Konrad's highest interest; his family. Konrad had one pair of jeans. They were worn out. Konrad had a favorite hat - his father's hat. Konrad had a shadow. It was large. Konrad hurt when a family member was suffering. Konrad prayed...never for himself. Konrad spent his money on others. Konrad never went to college. He went to work. Konrad worked overtime so I could go to college. Konrad read books early in the morning. Konrad philosophised late into the evening. Konrad wore a necktie on Sundays. Konrad preferred construction over destruction. Konrad walked slowly so he could enjoy the view. Konrad worked fast because he was paid to. Konrad abstained...from himself. Konrad preached to no-one. Konrad listened to everyone. I saw Konrad cry three times...once when holding my daughter Olivia. Konrad abhorred television. Konrad was a Gemeni with one personality. Konrad moved more than he sat. Konrad sat only when necessary. Konrad's fingers were light when playing the guitar. Konrad's fist was heavy when it had to be. Konrad was left-handed. He saw the world differently. Konrad was right-handed when his left hand was full. Konrad loved to sail during a storm. Konrad understood the wind, when the wind baffled others. Louise was at the helm of the boat, Konrad was the rudder, Tammy was the main sail, Timmy was the spinnaker, and Adam the jib. I am late for everything, so I missed the boat. Konrad didn't waste a thing. Everything in Konrad's life had value. Konrad was a skillful speaker - if you define skillful as one who tells the truth. Konrad was quietest when the crowd was loud. When the crowd was quiet, Konrad was belting out "Into the Mystic", or "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." The love Konrad liberated in his work is the love we can all keep. Konrad had the faculty of standing apart, but never alone. Konrad had a style...it was impeccably cool. Konrad didn't plant the trees that bore fruit...he WAS the tree. Konrad was never forced to use force. Dis Konrad use force? Very gradually. Konrad's favorite question - "How can I help?" Konrad's favorite answer - "What is the answer?" Konrad's favorite tool - his mind. Konrad's greatest asset - endurance. Konrad's greatest liability - time. Konrad's favorite color - the one you are wearing. Konrad's favorite season - the one he is in. Konrad's favorite daughter - Tammy. Konrad's favorite son - I am not gonna touch that one. Konrad's favorite day - your birthday. Konrad's favorite joke - the joke made at his expense. Konrad never charged me a fee for the things I learned from him, but he did require me to pay a price. Konrad's favorite road had no potholes, had no traffic, had no street lights, had no accidents, had no radar.....The only thing I could find on Reger Road are great memories. What sin warrants an early demise? The sin of originality. Konrad died at Mercy Hospital, exactly where he was born. Konrad never abandoned himself. Honor Konrad by living up to the faith he had in you. 6/12/1946 - 2/9/2018

"Beams of Heaven as I Go" Words and Music: Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, ca. 1906 Beams of Heaven, as I go through this wilderness below, guide my feet in peaceful ways, turn my midnights into days. When in the darkness I would grope, faith always sees a star of hope, and soon from all life's grief and danger I shall be free some day. refrain; I do not know how long it'll be, nor what the future holds for me, but this i know; if Jesus leads me, I shall get home some day. Often times my sky is clear, joy abounds without a tear; though a day so bright begun, clouds may hide tomorrow's sun. There'll be a day that's always bright, a day that never yields to night, and in its light the streets of glory I shall behold some day. refrain Harder yet may be the fight; right may often yield to might; wickedness a while may reign; Satan's cause may seem to gain. There is a God that rules above with hand of power and heart of love. If I am right, he'll fight my battle. I shall have peace some day. refrain Burdens now may crush me down, disappointments all around. Troubles speak in mournful sigh, sorrow through a tear-stained eye. There is a world where pleasure reigns. No mourning soul shall roam its plains, and to that land of peace and glory, I want to go some day. refrain

my daughter, 11, and I performing Gounod's "Ave Maria". The violin is a family heirloom approximately 130 years old, and made in France.