Frank passed away peacefully at Yucalta Lodge accompanied by dedicated caregivers and his favourite CBC radio. Although his health failed him in his later years, he led an amazing life full of variety and adventure.
Predeceased by his beautiful wife Mary, he leaves behind his children Lynn (Bob) and John (Maria) and his grandchildren Sam, Luke and Arun.
Dad was born in East Vancouver but started his young adult life as an old fashioned cowboy, working in the Skagit, Cariboo, and Chilkooten regions. He loved the outdoors, taking herds to summer pasture, rounding up and branding. Dad was good with horses and made impressions with his ability to “break in” the wild ones. He rode saddle broncs and roped steers in small town rodeos to sharpen his skills.
He drove taxi in Prince Rupert to put himself through flying school and started commercial flying on the North Island in the fifties. The arrival of the sixties brought him to Campbell River where he would fly seaplanes out of the Tyee Spit for the next 20 years, primarily for Island Airlines and later for Okanagan Helicopters.
Dad was respected for his skills as both pilot and manager but his true passion was really the many dedicated people who made up the industry, as well as the coastal residents and workers that depended on it. It was a fast paced environment with many colourful characters. He introduced the wonder of flight to countless people and helped many start successful careers in aviation.
Before his eyes failed him, Dad was a great reader and a gifted writer. He had a positive impact on the people whom he met and was never heard to complain.
Thank you to the caring people in the Coastal Cottage wing of Yucalta Lodge. Special thanks to Dr. Baerg for decades of great care and thanks also to St. Patricks’ Parish for being such a big part of Dad’s life for so many years.
There is no death, the stars go down
to rise upon some other shore
and bright they shine, in heaven’s crown
there forever more.
In lieu of flowers, Frank would appreciate
acts of kindness to anyone in need.
A funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at 11:00am at St. Patrick’s Church, 34 S. Alder St., Campbell River.