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NORTHFIELD – John Conde, 69, of Northfield died suddenly Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, while on his way to visit a woodlot in Springfield. John grew up in Oneida, N.Y., the son of Albert and Doris (Randall) Conde. He graduated from Paul Smith's College and the University of New Hampshire with degrees in forest management, having decided he wanted to be a forester by age 12.
John was the Merrimack County Extension forester for 18 years before starting his own consultant forestry business, Bean Hill Forest Services, in 1988. He managed private landowners' forest lands throughout much of the state, many of them through two or three generations of landowners. His extensive knowledge of the natural resources of vast tracks of land was amazing. Oftentimes a new landowner would call and after identifying the location, John was able to provide a history of the woodlot, where the boundaries were, where an old car was located on the lot, etc. He never forgot a woodlot! His priority was improving the condition of the woodlot for future growth of forest products, improving habitat for wildlife and protecting natural resources.
John's integrity and firm handshake were the basis of his business and private relationships. He didn't waste words, but the few he used were usually from keen observation and to the point. He took great pride in maintaining his hay fields, making quality hay and maple syrup. He has passed on his opinionated knowledge to his sons, as well as mentoring young foresters and maple producers who will carry on his work.
John is survived by his wife of 47 years, Eliza Hall Conde; his sons John (and Karena Angell), and Charlie, as well as his favorite granddaughter, Coralie, all of Salt Lake City Utah; his sister, Carol Conde Miske of Raleigh, N.C.; and nieces and nephews, Jenn, Jill, Greg, Gwen, Steve, Marshall, Parker and Fred. He was predeceased by his son Jim in 1997 and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to stop in at the farm any time to visit. A gathering in memory of John will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015, in and around his shed at the farm on Bean Hill Road. Pontifications and memories of John will be expected and warm attire would be advised.
Paquette-Neun Funeral
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Roslyn Carnevale (McConnell)
I will always remember John as a person of quiet dignity and integrity. When we were in high school, we were always in the same homeroom, so I saw him every day. It sounds like he had a very interesting life and was devoted to his principles and beliefs. I am deeply sorry that he is no longer here, but his spirit remains.
Roz Carnevale McConnell
Robert La Raia
I remember John as a quiet but strongly opinionated person who saw through falseness and frivolity. John thought the thoughts of a much older and wiser person that the rest of us were in high school. I lost contact with John after we graduated from OHS but I can only suppose that he found great happiness first by studying and practicing forestry, something he talked about with great anticipation when we were together, and by marrying and having children over the course of almost 48 years. I won't forget John.
Bob La Raia
Myron Peebles
I was genuinely saddened to learn that we lost John. He was a very kind and ever approachable friend. I see him clearly in memory (where he still exists).
Gail Sforza (Krebs)
It seems fitting for him to have passed on in the forest he loved so much. Peace be with you, John.
Pat Burdick (Belcer)
It is with great sadness that I've learned of John's passing. He was a good friend of my brother and remained in contact with our parents, keeping us informed of his activities and family over the years. John was "his own man" even in high school and I greatly respected him and admired him for that. His passing is truly a loss to his family and to all who had the privilege of knowing him.