FRANCIS NEWTON (FRANK) PEARCE

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FRANCIS NEWTON (FRANK) PEARCE Suddenly and unexpectedly, on Thursday evening, February 21, 2002, surrounded in love by his family, our beloved father and poppa died. Born in Fort McLeod, AB on Halloween night, 1929, he enjoyed teasing his children with the story he was brought by the witches. Dad enlisted in the RCAF in 1951 and was stationed in Clinton, ON where he met our mother Joanne. Three decades were spent travelling across Canada, with several years spent in Gimli and Winnipeg, raising a family of five children and gathering a host of friendships that have remained strong and vital to this day. Following his retirement from the military, Dad and Mom moved to St. Albert, AB in 1980 where both became very active in their community. Dad was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Corps of Commissionaires, Quarter Century Club, Masons, Royal Canadian Legion and Probus. He also was a great volunteer for the Cancer Society and Salvation Army. Dad retired as Executive Director of St. John Ambulance, AB in 1991 but remained an active member, receiving a knighthood in 1999. Dad loved: spoiling his grandchildren; golfing with his air force buddies; fishing in Norway House with Vic, Jock and Alex; visiting his niece Beth in Phoenix; trips to Colorado and Israel; Willow Island and Islendingadagurinn; making wine; reading; and any time spent with special friends Myrna and Jock. Dad was passionate about his family, loved his church and cherished his friends. Forever in our hearts, Dad leaves behind his children and grandchildren, Deb and Vic (Matthew, Jill and Jori) Thordarson of Winnipeg and Norway House; Jane Pearce and Paul Vandermolen; Terry Pearce; Marni (Liam and Joanna) Pearce; Mike and Jenny (Erin, Alix and David) Pearce; all of St. Albert. He is also remembered with much love by his brother Harry and Terry Pearce of Calgary; sister Miriam White of Oakville; brother-in-law Miles and Mary McMillan of Colorado Springs; sister-in-law Pat McMillan of Whitby; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his large community of friends. Dad lost his best friend and lifelong partner Joanne in 1997. We are at peace knowing they are together forever. Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, February 26 at Holy Family Parish in St. Albert. His granddaughter Jori and son Terry gave moving eulogies. Flowers are most gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations in memoriam to the Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Ave., Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2. "God Bless, Love you Dad"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2002