Gary Conrad

Gary Lee Conrad, age 69, passed away Monday, February 4, 2013 in Lancaster, California.  Born  February 27, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, he was the son to the late Rudolph and Vivian Conrad.  He lived in Palmdale for 58 years, moving there at the age of 12.  In 1960, he graduated from Palmdale High School where he met the love of his life, Linda Lee Conrad.  He served in the National Guard for eight years.  His career was a New Construction Plumber.  Gary’s hobbies were quail, chucker, and duck hunting; camping; bicycling; fishing; running; skiing; reading; and watching sports on TV.  He had a special fondness for animals, especially dogs, and nature.  Gary’s passion was motorcycle riding.  He started riding at the age of 13.  In the late 1950’s through the 1960’s, he was one of the top American motorcycle racers.  He won almost all of the desert races and scrambles he entered and won the #1 plate in 1965.  He did especially well racing the Corriganville/Hopetown Grand Prix races in Simi Valley, California, by winning the expert class many times and once beating several European world champion and factory riders.  When Suzuki built their first motocross bike, they signed Gary to be one of their first factory riders.  He retired from racing in 1970, however he continued to love riding with his family and friends and competing in Dual Sport and Trials events.  He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Linda; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Dave Beswick of Tehachapi, California;  daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Steve Cole of Simi Valley, California;  four grandchildren, Parker Beswick, Lynsey Beswick, Blake Cole, and Haley Cole; sister, Janet Rudesill; and three loving nieces and one nephew.  A memorial service for Gary will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 11, 2013 at the Chapel of the Valley Mortuary at 1755 E.  Avenue R, Palmdale.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.  Chapel of the Valley Mortuary, Palmdale Directors.
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