DONALD WAYNE FRANKARD (DON)

Condolences & Memories (32 entries)

• I have thought of Mr. Frankie’s many times over the years, and I know I’m a couple of years late on this, but I hadn’t heard. I was just watching the world curling championship, and was reflecting back on Mr. Frankie’s introducing me to playing the game back at Sansome when he ran the club. But he was also my science teacher, and my favourite. Warm, friendly, firm(er) when he needed to be, and funny. I can still picture his stump finger now, and remember him telling the story of how that happened. Speaking of which, we always loved it when he would tell one of his “Hard Luck Stories” (about a hapless relative). That was a day-maker. We were lucky to have him. Deepest sympathies. - Posted by: Kelly Parker (Student) on: Apr 03, 2025

• I was very saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was a great teacher and fun guy. We had many staff parties at his Chinchilla farm just outside Winnipeg. All the teachers and students loved and respected Don. My condolences to Denise and family. - Posted by: Willa Semotok (former teacher at Sansome Jr, High) (co-worker) on: Apr 01, 2023

• I felt so bad when I read of Don’s passing. He was a great friend and cousin and will be sorely missed. My heartfelt sympathy to Denise and family - Posted by: Janice Kraning (Cousin) on: Mar 05, 2023

• Don and I grew up together in Charleswood - we were classmates (grades 1 thru 12) and close friends until our mid twenties. Hearing of his passing has brought back many fond memories of the good times we had together. He was a great friend and I still remember him well after all the years. My condolences to his family - I know he will be sadly missed Larry - Posted by: Laurence Liebrecht (friend) on: Jan 02, 2023

• Mr Frankard was my grade 8 teacher in the early 70’s in Winnipeg. I was going through a difficult time at home and I was new to the school. He put us in groups for the year and taught us how to work together in those groups. I’m still friends with the people in my group even though our lives have spread us all over the continent. He helped us to build community. He was a kind man and I will always remember his kindness. It meant so much! My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Joan MacLean (Student) on: Dec 30, 2022

• Denise and family, So sorry to see that you have lost Don. Just loved working with him. His “Top of the Morning” greeting set the mood for our day. Enjoyed our visit to the farm on the way to Calgary; he loved showing off his pig barn. Thinking of you all, Sandy Gray - Posted by: Sandy Grayl (Colleague ) on: Dec 23, 2022

• Don Frankard was in a higher grade than I was at Charleswood Collegiate. Another Don (Aiken) and I used to bring our guitars to meet with others after classes finished, and Don Frankard was in the group. He must have been the happiest, friendliest student ever to enter the school. He was also the only person I ever knew who had a banjo, and he knew how to play it. What a loss. R.I.P. - Posted by: Bill Stevens (Fellow high school inmate) on: Dec 20, 2022

• Condolences to Don’s family. Don and I were cousins, and a group of us cousins spent lots of summers days together at the farm or lake, pulling pranks, laughing, just having fun. He was a man full of stories, so friendly and kind. Miss you cuz. - Posted by: Marilyn Carruthers ( Ousin) on: Dec 19, 2022

• I remember Don very well as a customer to the Gladstone Supermarket, where I worked & got to know him. He was such a nice man, often walking his dog & just being friendly to everyone he met on the street. It was a sad day when he left our community, but now even sadder as he has passed on. My deepest condolences to his family. God Bless. - Posted by: marie tabin (acquaintance ) on: Dec 19, 2022

• I could not be sadder to learn of the passing of one of my absolute favourite teachers, Mr. Don Frankard. I'm convinced that his style of teaching helped shape who I am. He showed me that humour/laughter/fun were the best ways to reach and teach people. I can't for certain explain things, but for whatever reason it seemed whenever I got to Don's classroom I was more than a little bit gassy ... this of course endeared me to the big guy. :) I remember it like it was yesterday. He'd be up at the chalk board writing a lesson out, and naturally a little 'peep' would inadvertently sneak out of me. Don, upon hearing this, would quite often stop in mid-writing, turn, look directly at me, and would smile from ear to ear or give me a thumbs up. I'll never forget his last day of teaching us ... He sat everyone around in a circle and dedicated a story to me which made me feel extra special. He told the story of a husband and wife who were having a nice dinner. The wife met her husband and put a blindfold on him and directed him to the dining room table where she said she had a surprise for him. Well needless to say while she was finishing off some last preparations in the kitchen, her husband was left to his own devices, so he began to relieve himself (gas-wise), if you will, and upon serving dinner the wife then removes her hubby's blindfold to reveal that the table was full of family and friends. :) To this day I've been known to tell that story. Don was always special to me, but when he dedicated that story and the whole class burst into laughter he most certainly became one of my favourite teachers ! He taught me a lot about humility and friendship. I was extremely happy to have run into him, one day, at Costco, in Winnipeg a number of years back. It felt good to tell him what a positive impact he had had on my life. To Don's family ... Please know that I was not alone in these sentiments. Don was a larger than life man who always appeared to be in a great mood, loving life. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. RIP <3 - Posted by: Jamie Earle (Student of Sansome Junior High) on: Dec 19, 2022

• Sincere condolences to Denise and all family members. It’s not surprising to read Don’s caring nature as he taught school in Winnipeg as he carried on that strength while farming in the Redvers area. Not sure how long it took Don to pick up the mail at the post office as he made time to chat with everyone that also happened to be there at the time. Always with a smile and wondering how you are. We shared time as Kinsmen together a long time ago and yes no one could liven up a good time like Don playing the piano. It was a pleasure to know you my friend. Wayne Truman - Posted by: Wayne Truman (Farmer friend of Don near Redvers ) on: Dec 19, 2022

• I was lucky to be in Mr. Frankard's 8th grade home room and science class at Sansom Jr. High for his last year teaching before he left for Saskatchewan. He was my favourite teacher... so warm, engaging, always wore a smile, and hilarious. He was fond of pranks, too. He was famous for his colourful and sometimes outrageous ties which he proudly wore every day and got a bit of ribbing about. On his final day of teaching, each student from our home room class came to school wearing the brightest, wildest tie we could find to honour him and make him laugh... which he heartily did. Even his colleague, Mr. Cyncir, wore an outrageous tie and walked into our class. I missed Mr. Frankard when he left Sansom, and wondered how he made out on the farm. He said he'd be farming pigs but it sounds like he went a different agricultural route. I extend my sincere condolences to his family. He was a wonderful man. - Posted by: Rhonda Roman (Student ) on: Dec 18, 2022

• I met Don Frankard when I started high school in Charleswood. He was the 1st student to welcome me and we instantly became best friends. His sense of humour, infectious laugh, and friendliness were contagious. We shared many good times & adventures together including participating in a Charitable Walk A Thon walking from Portage La Prairie to Wpg. in January with a windchill of -38 degrees. Not 1 of our best decisions!! He was also in my wedding party and I kept in touch with him over the years and always enjoyed his company. He was always a great friend and person to be with. Very sorry to hear about his passing. I wish the best for Denise and his family. - Posted by: Lawrence Anseeuw (Friend ) on: Dec 18, 2022

• I was one of the small merry band of lunatics who taught Science at Sansome in the 1970s. We all loved Don and missed him very much when we went our separate ways. His wonderful way with kids and his zaniness kept us all a little more sane than we would have been without him. Mike Harapiak, Sandy Gray/Jim Preston and I were "those guys in the corner"; Mike in 112, me in 111, Sandy, then Jim in 102 and Don in 101. We held our little fortress against all comers and we always knew that we had each others' back. Mike is gone, now, and Jim, Sandy and I are retired. I hope Don kept that caricature of him the Chris Delaney did way back then. It captured perfectly the real Don we knew, bless him. My deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Sharon McInnes (friend and colleague) on: Dec 18, 2022

• I farmed beside Don in Saskatchewan. A great guy and a wonderful neighbor! He was missed when he left! An unforgettable man! - Posted by: Barry miller (Farming neighbor) on: Dec 18, 2022

• A Tribute to My Uncle Don Uncle Don was a great, fun-loving and social guy. He was and remains a strong part of my childhood. We had many discussions about Elvis and Roy Orbison and the 1950s & 60s in general as I always have loved that era and its music. Uncle Don even had a striking resemblance to Elvis. He played the piano beautifully all by ear and we always loved to hear him play. He liked to reminisce about his youth, “the good old days” growing up in Charleswood. We loved to visit him & Auntie Denise on the family farm in Saskatchewan and in the early days in Springstein. He was very outgoing and kind. I still remember him showing me every wallet he ever owned including the one he had as a teenager when JFK was shot (that kinda looked like all the other ones). He had some unique antiques & artifacts and he always kept thorough journals. If you wanted to know what the weather was like years ago, he could tell you. I was too young to remember him as a teacher but I am sure he was a lot of fun in the classroom and was a popular teacher. He remains my favorite uncle, he helped make my childhood great and I will miss him terribly. Uncle Don, say hello to Elvis for me. xoxoxo Lisa Lagasse - Posted by: Lisa Lagasse (Niece) on: Dec 18, 2022

• My sincerest condolences to Denise, Michelle, Sean, Nicolle and your families for your loss of this awesome man. We lived far apart growing up and only got to visit a few times each year. He was a very special cousin, who I always looked forward to being around. He had a glowing personality and disposition which never failed to lite up a room. He will be so sadly missed by us all. May your happy memories help you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Chuck Frankard (Cousin ) on: Dec 18, 2022

• Enjoyed talking to Don on our walks around Gull Lake, sorry to hear of his passing - Posted by: Rosemarie Cook (friend) on: Dec 18, 2022

• Sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He was best friends with my brother Don Henderson. It was always fun when he came over to out house. My heart and prayers are with Denise and family ❤️ - Posted by: June Maclean (Henderson) (Friend from Charleswood) on: Dec 17, 2022

• I remember Don Denise and the kids when they moved to the Frankard farm and met through Kinsmen/Kinettes. They were always life of the party. So sorry to hear of dons passing. Sending big hugs to you Denise as well as to Michelle Shawn and Nicole. Don is remembered fondly - Posted by: Joanne Toms (Friends from Redvers ) on: Dec 17, 2022

• I’m proud to call Donald Frankard my Uncle Don. Growing up I didn’t see him often because I live in Manitoba and him and Auntie Denise lived in Saskatchewan. But the memories I do have when I did get to see both of them I cherish. I’ll never forget the fun car rides in his old cars, going in his renovated milk truck motorhome. Going to Gull lake at the cottage was one of my favourite places. Going for a boat ride with Uncle Don as well as going to the corner store to get chocolate and having chocolate for breakfast! Family gatherings with Uncle Don playing the piano is another one of my favourite memories. I will miss you Uncle Don and will cherish the memories I have had with you. ❤️ - Posted by: Christine G (Niece ) on: Dec 17, 2022

• So sorry to hear this.🙏 Don (Mr. Frankard) was one of my favourite teachers in all my school years. We seldom saw eye to eye, but became friends after the school years & when he was in Sask. for a number of years he would always stop for a beer. Great teacher, friend & man.🙏🙏✌️ - Posted by: Ty Newton (Former student ) on: Dec 17, 2022

• Condolences to Don's family. We lived across the street from the Frankards in Gladstone. Don was always smiling, so friendly, and a great talker! Rest easy, Don. - Posted by: Monica Ferguson (Former neighbour) on: Dec 17, 2022

• FOR MANY YEARS DON WAS OUR NEIGHBOR AT GULL LAKE. HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE AND A STORY TO TELL. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. - Posted by: ROY AND CAROL ANNE GABE (FRIENDS AN NEIGHBORS) on: Dec 17, 2022

• We had the pleasure to farm beside Don and Denise for alot of years! And our get togethers with Larry, Ray, Benny, Peter Dallas, we solved alot of world problems maybe a refreshment or two also! Thank you Don! Take care Frankard Family! - Posted by: Jens Hansen (Neighbor ) on: Dec 17, 2022

• I have such fond memories of Donald, and he will be missed. He always had a story and would make you laugh! Thinking of all the Frankard family! - Posted by: Katrinka Johnson (Cousin) on: Dec 17, 2022

• So sorry for your loss, he was always fun to be around. - Posted by: Grant & Linda Toms (Friend) on: Dec 17, 2022

• I had Mr. Frankard for homeroom teacher for my grade eight junior high school years. He was always one of my favourite teachers and one of my most influential people in my life. I ran into him a couple of times at Polo Park as an adult and he was just as great a man as I remembered. His booming laugh and his personality will be greatly missed. Peace to his family! - Posted by: Sean Gange (Student) on: Dec 17, 2022

• I had the pleasure of being one of his students at Sansome. He was a great teacher and a nice guy. Very funny. - Posted by: Glen Barlow (Former student) on: Dec 17, 2022

• Mr Franklin was my jr high teacher and what an amazing teacher he was !! I was such a shy kid and he always had this way of making us all feel welcome He was so funny and a great teacher. All of us wanted to be in his class He had a open door and many many days after school a group of us would gather there and chat with him. After a long day teaching he stayed and was always welcoming Later in high school I would run into him and same welcoming . He made you feel welcome and that you mattered He helped this shy girl to realize her strengths and believe in herself He was very special and I will always remember him Most sincere condolences to his father I know you r hearts will be full with wonderful loving memories. Thank you Mr Franklin Kym Peckover - Posted by: Kym Bottomley (Student from Sansome jr high ) on: Dec 17, 2022

• It was a pleasure working with Don at Sansome School. He was an awesome science teacher. He was admired and respected by all students he taught. Even when he wasn’t teaching both Don and Denise participated in many after school staff get togethers. My condolences to Denise and his family. Don was a person who will be missed. - Posted by: Joan Einarson (Friend (Sansome co-worker)) on: Dec 17, 2022

• It was a pleasure working with Don at Sansome School. He was an awesome science teacher. He was admired and respected by all students he taught. Even when he wasn’t teaching both Don and Denise participated in many after school staff get togethers. My condolences to Denise and his family. Don was a person who will be missed. - Posted by: Joan Einarson (Friend (Sansome co-worker)) on: Dec 17, 2022