Francis PIERCE

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PIERCE: Francis Manford (Frank) passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 29, 2011 at Fairview Personal Care Home. Frank will be forever remembered and sadly missed by Edith, his wife of 62 years, sons Murray (MaryAnn) and Bill, daughters Helen (Grant) Dilworth, Jan (Dave) Mahoney, Donna (John) Robbins, 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Frank was born February 19, 1923 the first child of Manford William Pierce and Ella May (Parr) on the family farm at Deloraine, Manitoba. The family farmed at Deloraine then Carnegie, Manitoba until moving to Brandon when Dad was 10 years old. At the age of 13, he left home to work as a farmhand for W. Pottinger and then J. McCallum. Dad joined the Army on Dec. 18, 1942 and was shipped overseas in January of 1944 where he was stationed in England. He landed in Belgium in 1945 and took part in the Liberation of Holland and was in Germany when the war ended. He made friends while in Holland and returned to visit on two anniversaries of the Liberation. Dad returned home in 1946 a member of the Fort Garry Horse Regiment with which he maintained a lifelong association proudly laying their Remembrance Day wreath for many years. He was very proud of his military service and was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Dad met Edith McKenzie in 1947 and they were married March 19, 1949 and had five children in the ensuing years. He began his truck driving career by working for and subsequently buying into Western Auto Transport. He hauled cars until 1967 when they sold the business. He then went to work for Paul's Hauling where he achieved his Million Mile Club award faster than anyone else ever had. Due to health reasons Dad retired in 1980. After retiring, Dad and Mom surprised us all by taking up golfing, which they absolutely loved and continued until they were no longer able. Dad and Mom also enjoyed travel, taking trips to Jamaica, Hawaii, Mexico, Portugal and Holland to name a few. They then discovered wintering down south and spent the next sixteen years going to Mission, Texas for 3 or 4 months each year. They made many friends which they kept to this day. Dad loved his family deeply and especially relished telling stories of the adventures and accomplishments of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 2005, the house on 25th Street became too much for them and Dad and Mom moved to Lions Manor. Due to failing health Dad and Mom both moved to Fairview Personal Care Home in 2010. A memorial service to celebrate Dad's life was held at Central United Church on Thursday, August 4, 2011, officiated by Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood. The family wishes to thank the staff at Fairview Home, third floor, for the care and kindness given to our husband, Dad and Grandpa. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Frank to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, #3, 824 - 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 5B7 or a charity of choice.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 06, 2011