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A humanitarian and accomplished healthcare provider was honored September 24 with a surprise birthday gathering at Parmly Nursing Home in Chisago City. Dr. Conrad Eastwold received a gift of ethnic native attire from representatives of Cameroon, the West African nation where Eastwold served as a missionary for 25 years. Eastwold is also a recipient of the Cameroon President’s Distinguished Service Award, which was bestowed upon him while living in Africa.

The Parmly Residence dining room was filled with well-wishers and family of the honoree. He was given the esteemed title “bobe” which in Cameroon refers to the most respected head of any household.

Eastwold said he’s lived in many, many places during his lifetime, but wherever he’s living at any given time he calls that place “home.” He thanked Parmly for being home at this time in his illustrious life.

Through the Evangelical Lutheran Church Mission, Dr. Eastwold helped to start in Cameroon, a 200-bed hospital in Ngoundere and in Garoua Boulai, a hospital of 120 beds. He studied African snakes and venoms to improve snake bite treatments. He also taught in a nursing school, along with his busy medical practice.

Eastwold’s daughter Barbara, was raised in Cameroon, and her husband Mike Leadholm are local residents. Dr. Eastwold came to Chisago City about three years ago to be nearer to them.

But, there’s also a Cameroon connection in this area. The director for employment services at the Chisago Lakes Achievement Center, Jerome Djam, is from Cameroon. Djam is pictured, left, along with Mr. Fusina Langason, a retired teacher, who brought the clothing gift. The boy pictured is Chelanga, a Minneapolis 9-year-old who sang for the birthday program. Another Chisago City resident, with ties to Cameroon, Debbie Franks, spoke to the party crowd about Dr. Eastwold.

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