Millbrook – Conrad J. Ham, 84, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on December 4, 2015, at his home.
A lifelong resident of Millbrook, he was born May 21, 1931, in Poughkeepsie, to J. Frederick and Bernice Benham Ham.
Conrad graduated from Millbrook High School in 1948 and received an Associates Degree in Agriculture from Cornell University in 1950. He operated the family farm in Millbrook from 1950 to 1967 and then worked as a heavy equipment operator for Wiltse Brothers of Poughkeepsie until 1987. He also owned and managed Washington Gravel Inc. until 2002.
On June 14, 1952, Conrad married Jean Fitch in Woodstock, VT. She was the love of his life and his best friend. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children and five grandchildren: Jacqueline Ham, Lawrence Ham and wife Sally with son Nicholas, Edwin Ham and wife Jill with son Christopher and daughter Stephanie, and Beverly Ham with sons Bryce Corkins and Kyle Corkins. Also surviving are his brother Allison Ham of Concord, NH, and many nieces and nephews.
Conrad became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1956. He was very active in the church, and he helped in the construction of the chapel and buildings on Mitchell Avenue in Poughkeepsie. He served in many church positions and was a church elder for 40 years. His devotion to God and to his family was always the main focus of his life.
In the community he served as a member and then chairman of the Town of Washington Zoning Board of Appeals for 50 years. He also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Washington Hollow Cemetery Association for 32 years.
Conrad greatly enjoyed being outdoors where he felt closest to God, observing the beauties and wonders of God’s creation. His favorite activities were gardening, camping, hiking, or just walking, especially with his children and grandchildren.
Services will be held at 3270 Franklin Avenue in Millbrook. Visitation will be from 3-6pm followed by a Funeral service at 7pm on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. Interment will be Wednesday, December 9th, at Washington Hollow Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Washington Hollow Cemetery Association at: c/o Laura Wetzel, Treasurer, 17 Stanley Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
