April 9, 2019
1957 - 2019 ~ Frank fought a brave 2-year battle with asbestos related cancer. In his last days, his home was filled to over flowing with family and friends, laughter and memories, delicious gifts of food and beverages. Thank you to all who came and/or called and made his time richer. And in the midst of the busyness, the Community Health - Palliative Care angels wove their way through with invaluable assistance - thank you. And another thank you to Elizabeth, whose caring presence on that last night will be remembered for a long time.
Frank was able to die peacefully at home on April 9th surrounded by and cared for by his family.
Frank would often say he had more of a family shrub than a family tree. It included siblings and step siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. Many held dear throughout his lifetime, especially his Aunt Jackie, Aunt Joyce and his Uncle Dan with whom he was recently reconnected.
For his last chapter, he was survived by his wife of 31 years, Rebecca, their 2 sons, Josh (Megan and grandson Adam), and Caleb (Emily), his brother John (Cora), and their son Max (Jolene and great-nephew Ryder), and his dear sister Kathy (Albert,) who didn't miss calling him and encouraging him every day of his 2 year battle! He'd had a special connection to Rebecca's birth-daughter Tanya (Ryan) and dear family friend Isaac (Sarah).
Frank had a hardworking entrepreneurial spirit and he enjoyed a wide variety of careers and interests. He had the privilege of teaming up with special craftsmen over his lifetime. When he chose to change careers at 50 and get his Class1 License, he again enjoyed the camaraderie of seasoned back road truckers whose mentorship was priceless to this 'gray-bearded newbie'.
He was a lucky man as he was able to share that new driving career with his son Josh; many a phone call back and forth of "You won't believe what I just saw...or just did..!?!". And he was also blessed to share a 'trip of a lifetime' motor cycle adventure with his son Caleb and brother John to the 75th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2015. What a ride!!
Frank is no longer plagued by Mesothelioma. (The disease he renamed, Meester-Thelioma - a selfish beast that kept on taking and gave nothing back.) Frank had a special, personal and simple faith; and he is Home now ... off on his new adventure. He will be dearly missed!
A Celebration of Frank's life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be forwarded to Frank's family through his obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com.
