Conrad Briggs

Conrad Briggs January 25, 1931 – November 27, 2024 It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Conrad Briggs on November 27th at the age of 93. He was born on January 27, 1931 in East Greenwich, RI to Walter D Briggs and Ruth E B Brodrick. Conrad was a loving father, brother, friend and a cherished member of the Briggs family. Conrad’s early years were spent in East Greenwich, RI with his parents then in Maine where he lived with his late brother Winton along the New Meadows River south of Brunswick. They would play together along the river and fields with outings to Bailey’s Island. Later on he attended Mount Herman in Mount Herman, MA where he also played goalie for the school hockey team. He continued his education at the University of Massachusetts graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He served his country with honor in the Army as a 2nd, then 1st Lieutenant. He was a platoon leader in a tank unit stationed in Germany. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and Expert Infantry Badge. He was also a firearms instructor at one point. He bought an MG TD from an enlisted soldier, who had won it gambling and would take tours around Europe with it when on leave. During these tours he visited Garmisch-Partenkirchen to ski and the Côte d’Azur among other places. He returned to the United States and shipped the MG with him. When Conrad began visiting North Conway in the early 1950s he developed his love of skiing which included hiking Mt Washington and skiing with his friend and employer Ade Nitschelm among others. Conrad met his wife, Cynthia, while they were both working at Stonehurst. He also worked at a few hotels in the Mount Washington Valley. The MG he brough home would serve as their transportation until the arrival of their first child, Nancy-Gail. At that point, Conrad managed, soon buying, the Cranmore Inn in North Conway. His two sons, Doug and Steven were born during this time. The inn kept Conrad and Cindy busy yet he still was able to teach them to ski. As his children grew up, Conrad would arrange rides with the guests to take them to the local ski areas on weekends. A favorite pastime of his was tennis. Conrad was popular among the local tennis set as he was a strong player with winning ways. He’d often play at the Eastern Slopes Inn with his late friend and tennis partner, Peter Pinkham. If someone needed a partner for doubles at the ESI, he’d sometimes get a call from Peter to fill in. He often played mixed doubles with the late Kay Hubbel. Anyone living in the Mount Washington Valley can experience the commitment Conrad had to his community. He volunteered his time for a variety of causes, most notably the Eastern Slopes Ski Club. He was President and longtime board member of the Club. Conrad was instrumental in launching the inaugural ESSC Ski Sale in 1970 which continues to this day, raising funds for the Junior Ski Program and winter athletes. He ran the competition for the club and was chief of timing along with his late friend, Ed Westervelt. The Junior Program skis were stored for a while in the attic of the barn of Cranmore Inn where Conrad would maintain them during the off season. Conrad also served on the Conway Planning Board, serving as Chairman at one point. He advocated for the preservation of open space with his involvement with the Green Hills Preserve and Conway Conservation Commission. He was a vocal and dedicated member of the Connie Davis Watson Park Project Committee. Conrad was an active participant in the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, where he helped support local businesses and the wider community. Conrad is survived by his wife, Cynthia, his children Nancy-Gail Peterson, Douglas Briggs and Steven Briggs. He was predeceased by his brother Winton Briggs. Arrangements were made through Furber Funeral Home and Cremations Services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eastern Slopes Ski Club. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Merriman House for their loving care and support during Conrad's time there.