Frank MAIN

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MAIN: Frank Gerald of Riverheights Terrace, Brandon, passed away December 8th, 2008 at the Assiniboine Centre, Brandon General Hospital, after a short illness. Frank was born May 13, 1926 near Goodlands, Manitoba. While growing up on the farm, he had a love for horses, which he would ride or hitch to a sleigh in winter to get to and from school. He also had a passion for cars and following high school apprenticed to become a licensed auto mechanic. On December 11, 1948, Frank married Shirley Pyper (Killarney) and they settled in Ninga Manitoba where Frank opened an auto repair shop. After moves to Elgin and later to Russell Manitoba, Frank and Shirley re-located to Brandon in 1958 to open Arena Servicentre – across from the old Wheat City Arena. In 1962, Frank and Shirley became “pioneers” in the RV industry, renting and selling campers, trailers and truck campers – initiating a new venture – Pik-A-Dilly Trailer Sales. He became a founding member of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Manitoba. Frank was a true entrepreneur, and over the years started many businesses. He had two stores in the Brandon Shoppers Mall in the 1980’s (Grant’s Gourmet Market and Brackenberry’s Candy and Nuts) and finished his career as Operations Manager at Christies Office Plus in which he had previously invested. Frank retired in 1994. Frank loved gardening but his favourite hobby was restoring and showing antique automobiles. It allowed him to return to his earlier roots, but more importantly, provided a great social opportunity to interact with his many friends at fairs, car shows, parades and special events. He filled a huge showcase with the many trophies won from shows all over Manitoba, Saskatchewan and as far away as North Dakota and Wisconsin. He was very active in the Western Manitoba Pioneer Automobile Club, completing a couple of terms as the President. In later years, Dad was active with Seniors for Seniors, where he fashioned himself a shuffleboard “champion.” He also enjoyed time as a Board Member until his illness. Frank leaves to mourn: his sons, Don (Shelly Shewchuk) of Brandon, Garry (Wilma) of Calgary and daughter Pat Watson of Brandon, grandchildren Ryan and Lindsay Main, Amber, Kelly and Anson Main, Angela and Melaney Watson, two great grandchildren, Sheldon Main and Cora Main-Perry. Also surviving are two sisters, Madeline Bartley, Killarney and Shirley (Bill) Smith, Calgary, brothers -in-law Lloyd (Fran) Pyper, Winnipeg, Harley (Sharon) Pyper, Martensville, Saskatchewan, sisters-in-law Pat (Andy) Piche, Calgary, Marie (Tom) Mooney, Regina, Marilyn (Laverne) Harper, Annondale, MN and, numerous nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by his wife Shirley, his parents William and Edith, sisters Hazel and Neva and brother Russell. Funeral service to honour Frank’s life was delivered by Rev. Harvey Hurren at Central United Church, December 11th, 2008. Frank and Shirley were re-united on what would have been their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Angela Watson presented a tribute to the love of their grandfather, on behalf of all the grandchildren. Pallbearers were Angela Watson, Melaney Watson, Kelly Main, Ryan Main, Lindsay Main, Melvin Bartley, Jared Bartley and Reg Spencer. Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 10, 2009