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GARRY ISRAEL FRANKEL
Born: Aug 14, 1953
Date of Passing: Jul 13, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGARRY ISRAEL FRANKEL
Garry Israel Frankel, at the age of 72, left us unexpectedly on July 13, 2026.
He was the loved and loving husband of Debbie (Lischka), the very proud father of Joshua and Jonathan, the equally proud father-in-law of Grace and Courtney, the adoring Zaida of Harper, Oaklyn, and Jasper, and the cuddly grand-fur-ther of several four-footed family members.
Garry was born in Winnipeg on August 14, 1953, the son of Maurie and Evelyn, and, later, big brother to Jane and JayJay. His working life included a decade as an EMT with the ambulance service, followed by sales positions in the insurance and pharmaceuticals industries, concluding with a sales and manager role in a company integrating barcoding and wireless systems.
Garry enjoyed many activities, including ham radio, guitar, ukulele, travel, soccer (supporter and coach), fishing, and photography. He belonged to the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Walleye Anglers Association of Manitoba (WAAM), and the Ukulele Club of Winnipeg.
Garry was passionate about photography, and he loved capturing memories for people. He served as a volunteer photographer for many events over the years, such as local soccer tournaments, Special Olympics, WAAM's Kid Fish and Soldier On derbies, and the USA Cup Youth Soccer tournaments in Minnesota.
In July, 2009, Garry suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in Minneapolis a few hours before he was to start shooting that year's USA Cup. After two weeks in the ICU, he was flown home to continue his recovery. The next year, he returned to photograph the 2010 USA Cup and to thank as many people as possible who worked so hard to save his life. From this experience grew several wonderful friendships, and many more years of USA Cup photography. Garry also became a member of the Minnesota SCA Survivor Network. We are very grateful for the 17 'bonus' years of life that were gifted to him in Minneapolis.
Sadly, Garry passed away exactly seven weeks before his and Debbie's 48th wedding anniversary. Garry, you will be remembered with love, forever and in all ways.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2026
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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For some reason I was just reminiscing about the time Garry and I shared an apartment in north Winnipeg when we were attending Red River Community College during 1971-1972. I knew Garry was a ham radio operator like myself and that is probably how we met. Otherwise he had totally different interests and friends compared to mine, but we seemed to get along. Sorry to hear that Garry has passed and I offer my condolences to his family. Kindest regards ……………. Ron Samchuk VE4SR - Posted by: Ron Samchuk (Friend) on: Oct 12, 2026
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Dear Debbie sending my deepest & heartfelt sympathy to you, your sons & their families on Garry's passing. I am deeply saddened to learn that he passed away! Thinking of you at this sad & difficult time. Sorry for your loss! May his memory be a blessing, Lynda Ruban - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (reader/old acquaintance) on: Oct 01, 2026
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My sincere condolences to the entire family, particularly Jane, Debbie and JayJay, with memories of grade school days. The loss of a loved and good person, especially young, is so hard. I hope that fond memories and the love and supports that surround you will sustain you in the coming days. - Posted by: Teresa Sztaba (friend) on: Oct 01, 2026
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Jane, Debbie and JayJay, l am so very sorry for your loss of this very good Man. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Karen (Shreiber) Howell (Family friend) on: Sep 26, 2026
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Sincerest condolences and hugs at these hard times - Posted by: Pat Lischka Gessner (Cousin) on: Sep 26, 2026
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So sorry to see that Garry passed away at such a young age. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Gil Belanger (Friend from many years ago) on: Sep 26, 2026
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The last time I saw Garry was at a Ham Radio event. He told me of his cardiac difficulties. We used to spend time together at Country Style Donuts on Osborne St many years ago. I always enjoyed his company. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Scott Miner (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2026