FRANK ANDERSON

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FRANK ANDERSON It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Frank Anderson, of Ashern, MB, on June 7, 2000. Frank was born in Augeskew, Denmark in 1912. His parents, CD and Susannah Anderson, moved to Canada the same year. They settled first in Spearhill, Manitoba, but after several moves, finally made their home in Ashern. Frank moved to Winnipeg when he was 13 to look for work. His first job was at Boyds Candy Factory, where his services were terminated for tasting the products too frequently. He then acquired a position at Hardy and Buchanan, a wholesale retail and grocery. Frank began training as a boxer, and boxed professionally. As this was during the depression, it was often more of a fight to get paid following the boxing match, than the match itself. Frank moved back to Ashern, where he met and married Olga Kurbis in 1935. Together they raised four children, and enjoyed a full and satisfying life together. Frank and Olga would have been married 65 years this summer, and he always referred to her as "my beautiful bride". Frank was a successful businessman, building and operating 13 businesses in total over the years. Some of his businesses included a general store, feed mill and construction business. Frank always committed himself to his community and believed that every person who could benefit from it should also work for it. He was instrumental in the building of Grace Lutheran Church, and believed wholeheartedly in God and lessons the Bible teaches us. Frank also played a very active role on the Organizing Committee to establish the Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern, a legacy that is still a vital part of the community today. Frank was an avid sports enthusiast. He was back catcher for the mens hardball team, and also coached the team for many years. He was a driving force behind the building of the Ashern Arena, and coached the first Senior Mens Hockey Team, which he christened the "Hornets". He was chairman of the Sports Club, and organized many sporting activities for young people, including a boxing tournament one winter. Frank continued to follow sports all his life - the Toronto Blue Jays in particular. The priority in his life, however, was always his family. "Family comes first," and "Family gives you strength" were creeds that he lived by. He was so proud of his family, and praised them regularly. Ones self-esteem rose several notches after a visit with him. He never complained. Frank was a realist, but always focused on the positive. He was tough but gentle, stubborn, yet open-minded. His family has learned many valuable life lessons through his words and actions. Because of his intelligence and ability to see so clearly solutions to problems, his advice was much sought after by family members. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife Olga of Ashern; his sons, Ron (Pat) Anderson, Reid (Margaret) Anderson, Randy (Donna) Anderson, all of Ashern; one daughter Lynne (Jake) Rempel of Ajax, Ontario; 12 grandchildren, Lori (Trevor) Emilson, Kathy (Regan) Wilkinson, Karen (Norman) Tindall, Curtis (Karin) Anderson, Dianne (Cory) Baker, Trevor (Lisa) Anderson, Bradley (Denise) Rempel, Jeff Rempel, Tracey (Jeremy) Green, Troy Rempel, Ian Anderson and Julie Anderson; 16 great-grandchildren, Dana, Carly Jo and Eric Emilson, Brayden, Matthew and Josh Wilkinson, Brittany, Nicole and Scott Tindall, Amanda, Samuel and Daniela Anderson, Todd and Hannah Baker, Jessica Rempel, and Samantha Green; two brothers, Harry (Laura) Anderson and Wilbert (Wanda) Anderson. He was a wonderful father and grandpa. The family wishes to thank Dr. Isaacs and staff of Lakeshore General Hospital for their exceptional care of Frank. Pallbearers will be Curtis Anderson, Trevor Anderson, Jeff Rempel, Troy Rempel, Trevor Emilson and Regan Wilkinson. Honorary pallbearers will be Jake Rempel, Brad Rempel, Ian Anderson, Jeremy Green, Norman Tindall, Cory Baker, Herman Kurbis and Lloyd Collett. Viewing will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Friday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service to follow at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service, a celebration of his life, will be held on Saturday, June 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Bob Lewis officiating. Interment to follow at the Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Ashern. In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations may be made in Franks memory to Grace Lutheran Memorial Fund, in care of Doreen Szczerski, Box 489, Ashern, MB R0C 0E0. "Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumns rain. When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die." Arrangements by: Arnason Funeral Homes Ltd. Ashern - Lundar (204) 768-2072

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 09, 2000