FRANKLIN GARD

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FRANKLIN GARD It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved Frank, who passed away on January 6, 2007 at Whispering Pines Personal Care Home in Vita, MB. He graced our lives for 81 years. Frank was born in Fisher Branch, MB on March 15, 1925. He grew up in St. James, MB. He attended Linwood School. He was a dedicated employee of VIA Rail for many years. He loved his job and had many stories to tell from his experiences. He also did accounting for numerous businesses with his wife June. On December 28, 1950, he married his sweetheart June Reader and together brought two lovely daughters into this life. Frank's love for his family will never be forgotten. Frank was predeceased by his wife June Gard; daughter Judy Savard; parents Violet and John Gard; brothers, John and Jim (Vera); sister Mary (Tom); nephew Don McKerchar; brother-in-law Fin McKerchar, and both maternal and paternal grandparents. Left to keep his memory alive are his daughter Barb (Jean); son-in-law Andre; sister Eileen; brothers, Bob (Myrle) and Mike (Lois); loving grandchildren, Tracy (Jeff, Chelsea and Logan), Niki (Shaun), Beth (Dan), David (Denise, Seth, and Sonny), Valerie and Patti, and numerous other relatives and friends. Frank was very social. He loved having family and friends around him. He was always up for a game of cards preferably crib or rummy. He could often be heard laughing whole-heartedly at a joke he had been told, or one he had told himself. He was quite the pool shark in his latter years, and earlier on he and June enjoyed bowling as a past time. He had a wonderful sense of humour and a sharp wit. How can anyone forget how much Frank loved his Up Home Tonight show. He spent countless hours preserving his precious tapes and became a true master of the VCR. He loved to watch the singing and dancing. Music was a huge part of our lives. He absolutely loved listening to June, Judy and Barb singing together. He also would add in his own songs. Frank loved to play the fiddle and we will all remember when he played for us a few years ago. Frank was the kind of man who was always concerned about everyone else. He would go out of his way to help out anyone and always make sure you had what you needed. He was a caring and loving father and grandfather. He loved to chat with his family everyday just to see how they were doing, and to make sure they were alright. His concern for us will be missed terribly. Frank truly loved his life in Marchand, MB. He enjoyed the simple life and just being surrounded by his family. We remember him as being a very strong man. He could work hard and never get tired. He enjoyed cutting wood with his sons-in-law, and fixing any problem that would arise. Of course, after all that work he would enjoy the meal that would follow. He had a strong back with a strong appetite to match. To his grandchildren he was known as Poppa . He was the one we went to for cookies, ice cream, bubble gum, and to have our slivers removed. He loved us a lot and would do anything for us including teaching us card games, taking us Christmas shopping, taking us to the petting zoo in Grunthal, just to name a few activities. He had so much patience for us and we are truly grateful for the time he spent with us. Rest in peace and know that you will live on forever in our hearts. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Condo officiating. Thank you to Vita Nursing Home staff and doctors. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Diabetes Foundation in Frank's memory. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home And Reception Centre 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2007