Chad H. Conrey

in memoriam

May 27, 1970 - January 13, 2025

Chad Heath Conrey aka “Smokey,” beloved husband, father and friend peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his loving family and dogs that he so fiercely cherished after a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Chad had a remarkable gift for forming genuine friendships. He had a profound impact on all who knew him, offering love, empathy, integrity, loyalty and his infectious laughter was contagious. He was rock solid. He used to joke that it took him eight years to graduate from college because while others had their noses in a book, he prioritized building meaningful relationships.

Chad was unapologetically himself, expressing his thoughts and opinions openly and bluntly, no matter the circumstances or the company. He never tried to be anyone other than who he truly was… authentic and sincere. Chad was a rare breed. He was a straight shooting, honest and loving man who expected a lot from those around him, but never more than he was willing to give in return. He had a unique zest for life. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed being outside, camping, hunting, fishing, paddling, scuba diving, watching the sunset and gazing at the stars. He treasured his time in nature, especially in his beloved state of Texas. That is where his commitment to conservation flourished, and he was proud of his service as a board member of Devils River Conservancy.

Chad first joined Devils River Conservancy’s (DRC) Advisory Board in April 2023 following a long-time interest and passion for the Devils River. After a friend of his purchased the Monarch Ranch in 2021, a critical property for biodiversity conservation in Val Verde County, Chad and his wife, Hillary, restored one of the houses on the property as part of their contribution to protecting the history of the ranch. But his connection to the Devils River began long before then, starting back in childhood during his visits to Ruthie Russell’s ranch on the banks of the river while his father worked the land.

Chad’s contributions to DRC in just two too-short years were remarkable. Once he set his sights on supporting protections for the Devils River, he didn’t hold back. And after a year on the Advisory Board, he was unanimously welcomed onto the Board of Directors in April 2024 due to his staunch commitment to DRC’s mission through both words and deeds. His close friend and fellow DRC Director, John Shepperd, recalled, “If he saw a place where he could help, he would do it, even when it took a little elbow grease.” John fondly remembers being on the receiving end of calls from Chad requesting his support. “He’d say, ‘you gotta do this, and here’s the reason why.’ He didn’t take no for an answer.” John suspects many folks received those calls from Chad and were spurred to action by his infectiously genuine passion for conservation.

Enthusiastically taking on the role of fundraiser, Chad cultivated meaningful relationships with donors and stakeholders to advance DRC’s mission. He was instrumental in securing donations from notable charitable foundations and private philanthropy. In his spare time outside of his commitments to DRC, Chad made space to raise money for the purchase of Honey Creek State Natural Area, another passion project where he saw a conservation need and forged a path to address it. His good works were not limited in scope, and Texas lands and waters are better for his efforts.

In addition to his advocacy, Chad’s creative ideas helped expand the impact and relevance of DRC’s messaging, bringing our work to broader communities. He was passionate about empowering the landowner and land-managing community that stewards the Devils River and its basin. Chad cared deeply about creating tools, such as the DRC Stewardship Toolkit, and fostering awareness around ethical and respectful recreational use.

We will miss Chad’s straight-shooting and insightful approach at board meetings, his phone calls to share ideas and make plans, and his abiding friendship to so many of us at Devils River Conservancy.

Conrey Memorial Fund

Chad requested that in lieu of sending flowers, friends and family consider donating to Devils River Conservancy. Following his wishes, DRC has established a memorial fund to honor his work and passion for our shared mission. Donations made in his memory will support ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the Devils River, its watershed, and essential springs. All of us at DRC are honored to be counted among those whose lives were touched by Chad’s presence, his work, and his enduring spirit. We thank everyone who wishes to honor his memory by furthering his lasting impact on the vital stewardship of this pristine and cherished wild place and its life-giving waters.