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FRANK W. WELLINK
Born: Jul 08, 1942
Date of Passing: May 16, 2023
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
FRANK W. WELLINK
Frank was a larger-than-life figure to all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Erika; his eldest daughter Deborah, her husband Cloyd, children, Ashlen and Julien; his daughter Angelique, her husband James, children, Jessica and Noah; his son Monte, his wife Voleth, children, Aaron and Colin; and his youngest daughter and namesake Frances.
Frank was the youngest of six kids and from an early age expressed a love of electronics. He started working for Phillips in the Netherlands and became an electrical engineer.
He grew up hearing his father’s stories of Canada and dreamed of moving there himself. He met the fiery and beautiful Erika while briefly serving in the Royal Netherlands Air Force and married her in 1963. They moved to Canada in 1964, with little money and speaking no English. Frank learned English on the train from Montreal to Winnipeg. They arrived on a Saturday, and by the following Wednesday he landed a job with Advance Electronics.
Frank was the only person in Winnipeg at the time who could fix a colour TV, and with this skill he was quickly promoted to Service Manager. He worked for Advance until 1977. His entrepreneurial spirit and tech savvy led to the founding of Technical Products International (TPI). When he sold the company in 1998, TPI had 280 full-time employees, and global customers including Blackberry and Ford.
He excelled at almost everything except retirement. By 1999, he was drawing up plans for an antiques business, and in 2001 he and Erika opened Wellink Antiques and Décor Imports in Lockport, Manitoba. In 2004, he expanded the business with Rembrandt’s restaurant and event space. One of the joys of his “retirement” was dressing up on a Saturday night and visiting each table in the packed restaurant to chat with patrons.
Frank had an incredible work ethic, a trait he nurtured in each of his children. None of his kids got allowances - they got jobs and an education. Each of them worked for the family businesses which provided valuable opportunities and cherished memories working alongside their Dad.
He was not just business smart - he was handy and could fix anything. He built and renovated the family homes, a cottage and served as general contractor on his kids’ renovation projects.
A devout Catholic, Frank was active in the Knights of Columbus organization, raising money for numerous charities and serving as a mentor to hundreds. He had fond memories of volunteering on committees involved with Pope John Paul II’s visit to Winnipeg in 1984 and the 1996 Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City where he met Mother Teresa.
Besides his family, Frank had other passionate loves. Soccer! You would find him decked out in Orange cheering for the Netherlands, or intently focused on every play when his favourite Manchester United was on the field. Cigars! Romeo y Julieta No. 5 was his go-to brand, and he enjoyed smoking them at his second home, Thomas Hinds. Culture! Frank loved war movies, classical music and attending the opera. Travel! He spoke with excitement when recalling his trips around the world with Erika by his side and felt blessed to have dipped his feet in every ocean.
While life was challenging over the past several years as he battled cancer, Frank spent his final days surrounded by the love from his grandchildren, children, and wife Erika.
We, his family, are so deeply grateful to the staff at Portage la Prairie General Hospital for making his journey to heaven so peaceful. We know he is there now, smoking cigars like a king. In the end, his chosen songs played, including his favourite by Frank Sinatra.
And now the end is here
And so I face that final curtain
My friend I'll make it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more
I did it, I did it my way
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba in Frank’s memory.
A private interment will be held with immediate family.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2023
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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My dear friend Frank, you were like a father to me, you always gave me advice when I needed it and always put a smile on my face! I will never forget you and Erika and all the great times we had, I just wished I was there to say goodbye but I was on the other side of the Atlantic and just got the news that you had gone to God! My condolences to you Erika and all the family, R.I.P. my dear friend or as I used to call you dad and you always said you didn't mind having another daughter and Erika, you and I would just laugh I will our talk thank you for everything ! - Posted by: Elisabete and Dean De Sousa (Friend ( like family)) on: Jul 05, 2023
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Dear Erika, Debbie, Angie and Monte – our deepest condolences on your loss of Frank. I first met Frank at the urging of my friend Steve Olthoff back in the 80’s. I was young engineering grad. looking for a job and Frank found a way to employ at his fledgling co. TPI. The Wellinks were all very welcoming, but Frank was obviously the wring-leader with special insights and a keen sense for entrepreneurial business. I was fortunate to have worked closely with Frank and even found opportunity to prank his computer sometimes with some audio tracks that caused Frank’s cigar to droop. It was all in fun and after we both had a good laugh I put things back the way they were and we moved on. Frank had a great sense of humor and always did what he could to make sure that all his staff were looked after. With money tight and ambitions high this was always my favorite period of my career. We took on some pretty big challenges and did some very satisfying work together. The foundation of electronics product manufacturing that I participated in at TPI proved highly beneficial later in my career. Frank was always bigger than life and I like to think I learned an immeasurable amount of business smarts from working with him at TPI. Frank was an early mentor for me that I will always appreciate the opportunity to have worked with and to have learn from. Your friends, Elmer and Denise Guest - Posted by: Elmer Guest (Friend) on: Jun 30, 2023
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My deepest condolences to the entire Wellink family. Through my involvement with Frank and his companies, I got to enjoy the company of a great person. His many stories were a joy to hear. He was a wonderful human being. - Posted by: Tony Romeo (Accountant and Friend) on: Jun 27, 2023
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Dear Wellink family, I am sending condolences on behalf of the Breuer family. We have many happy memories of our families sharing space and meals over the years. And, my Dad (Ted) and Mom (Helen) always spoke fondly of the trip they took on the Alaska cruise with Erika and Frank. May your memories together give you comfort during this time. - Posted by: Rosanna (Breuer) Strong (Friend of the Family) on: Jun 14, 2023
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It always was a pleasure to speak with Frank & his Wife Erika. They were always great friends to my Mom & Dad Gerry & Greta. My condolences to Erika & your Family. - Posted by: Hank Koreman (Friend of the Family ) on: Jun 07, 2023
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Our condolences. May your memories give you comfort. - Posted by: John & Anne Stocki (Neighbour) on: Jun 05, 2023
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Frank was a very special man to us! We enjoyed his company and appreciated all the stories he told us of his world travels. His passion for soccer was strong and he would get up early as not to miss the game! He made a difference! We have many fond memories. Our deepest condolences 🌹🙏🏼 - Posted by: Ron&Gerry Resler (Friends) on: Jun 03, 2023
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Dear Wellink family, Frank and Erica were an important loved friends of my in-laws Norman and Jean Fiske who loved to share stories of their shared times together. I had the privilege to meet them in my teens when I became friends of Debbie and the other Wellink children. I felt welcomed and at home in their cottage and house. There was always love and laughter and welcome. Frank and Erica shared a beautiful love story and I always admired the family. My husband Bruce and I often share Wellink family stories with Jean and previously Norm. We feel very honoured to have shared times with Frank and family. Condolences to Erica, Deborah, Angie, Frankie and Monte from the Fiske family. - Posted by: Terri (Friend of family) on: Jun 03, 2023
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Our family lived 2 houses away during the early years on Fleming Avenue in East Kildonan. Sincere condolences to the Wellink family at this time of loss. - Posted by: The Ryland Family (Former Neighbours) on: Jun 03, 2023
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Our deepest sympathy to you, Erika, and your entire family. We have such fond memories of Frank - how he lit up a room with his joyous personality and his ability to make everyone feel welcome wherever he was. We wish you peace, comfort and warm memories during this time. - Posted by: Eugene and Carolyn Harasymec (with Kim, Chrissy, Tara, and Stephanie) (Cooks Creek Knights of Columbus) on: Jun 03, 2023
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Our hearts are heavy but our lives are so much richer by having the privilege of friendship of your Father Frank and your wonderful Mother Erika. Our sincere condolences - Posted by: Evelyn M Mitchell and Ben Wasylyshen (Friends) on: Jun 03, 2023
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We had good times over the years as our lives wove back and forth. Erika my dearest condolences - Posted by: ShannonSmarz (Wife of Peter from Advance) on: Jun 03, 2023
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Sending our sincerest condolences to Erika and family. So many memories of bringing in the New Year's together. May you rest in peace Frank - Posted by: John & Alice Bomhoff (Family friend) on: Jun 03, 2023