LDS missionary from Hyde Park remembered for his strong faith and friendly smile

Pall bearers carrying the casket of Brennan Conrad past his white dirt bike, as his mother, Melanie Conrad, follows behind.

LOGAN — An 18-year-old Hyde Park man, who died while serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was remembered for his friendly smile and strong faith. Family and close friends shared memories and tears during the funeral services for Brennan A. Conrad, which took place 12-days after the young man fell from his apartment, while serving in the Dominican Republic.

Reflection of Brennan Conrad’s life and achievements, decorating the church house foyer.

The memorial service was held Monday morning in the Logan East Stake Center at 1450 East 1500 North, and was presided over by Neil L. Andersen, a member of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The chapel and adjoining cultural hall were nearly filled to capacity. The proceedings were also broadcast to a neighboring church house that served as an overflow.

Cameron Conrad said it was impossible to summarize in a few short minutes, his little brother’s life and accomplishments. He described how Brennan loved playing soccer, lacrosse and wrestling. He also had a passion for riding dirt bikes. He shared how Brennan was excited to learn a foreign language and serve in the Santo Domingo East Mission.

Kazlie Hamblin told everyone how, even though she and her little brother fought with each other a lot while growing up, they were best friends. Through tears she said, she can’t wait to see his smile again and hear him laugh.

Memorabilia of Brennan Conrad’s life and achievements, decorating the church house foyer.

One of Brennan’s best friends, Cole Goble described their 15-years of friendship. He said they were just like brothers who lived in two different houses. He recalled memories of their childhood, playing practical jokes on their neighbors and riding bikes. He described Conrad as being a shy kid that everyone liked.

Justin Conrad explained how he and his wife Melanie were heartbroken when they learned the news of their son’s accident. He said, Brennan was a kid who loved everyone. During high school, he would wake up early to attend the Logan Temple before going to classes.

Conrad’s first missionary partner, Elder Burrell, who now lives in Jamaica and traveled to Logan for the funeral, said Brennan would just smile at people as he tried to learn Spanish. He described the six-weeks they served together as the most spiritual of his mission. He said, Conrad was successful because he didn’t try to be a missionary, he just tried to be himself.

Elder Andersen concluded the service describing how saying goodbye to a missionary was a sacred and solemn time. He said even though there were many special memories, what is most important was Conrad’s faith in Jesus Christ. He read a letter from the Church’s First Presidency, addressed to the Conrad family. It said in part, missionaries are so dear throughout the church and that their son could not have been engaged in a more notable service.

Following the funeral, a brief graveside service was held at the Logan Cemetery.


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