Image: Jack and Jean Conrad, with children Collin, Calvin and Ann, in front of the Christmas tree, 1955 (SPRA 259.08.06)
Jean Farmer was born, one of four children, in Scotland, north of Edinburgh. During the War, she worked as a cook for the Air Force, including two years with a Canadian Squadron at Lindon. There she met Jack Conrad. They were married June 9, 1945, and ten days later, Jack was shipped home. Jean followed in March, 1946, aboard the Aquitania with other war brides. She was sick for the first two days but then enjoyed the great food. At Pier 21, she remembers the Red Cross ladies taking them shopping – her first experience of an Eaton’s store. Jack met her in Edmonton and they came to Clairmont by train. When they got to Jack’s parents, his mother had saved her largest turkey for the occasion and had invited a Scottish family as well. They raised four children on their farm: Collin, Calvin, Ann and Holly.
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.