FRANK VEREGIN

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FRANK VEREGIN June 12, 1931 - August 24, 2001 Frank Veregin passed away suddenly on August 24, 2001, in Winnipeg. Frank was born June 12, 1931 on the family farm in the R.M. of Livingston, to parents, Phillip and Nellie (Nichvolodov) Veregin. He was the youngest son following his two brothers, Nick and Peter. Frank attended Thunder Bird School through Grade VIII then attended Benito High School through Grade XII. In 1953, he married Evelyn Whelpton of Neepawa, whom he met at Teachers College in Winnipeg. Franks life was devoted to education. After graduating from Teachers College in 1953, his first position was Principal of Glenella High School. This was followed by a series of high school principalships in various communities in Manitoba including Cardale, Napinka and Binscarth. He earned his B.A. from the University of Manitoba in 1963, after five years of night classes, summer school and correspondence courses. In 1964 he received his B. Ed. from Brandon University. In 1964, Frank, Evelyn and sons, Richard and Howard moved north to Norway House where Frank worked for Indian Affairs as School Superintendent. This was followed by several years in The Pas, Cross Lake and other communities. During this time Frank travelled extensively by bush plane to numerous remote locations in Northern Manitoba to supervise Native education. He and his family moved to Winnipeg in 1970, where he was appointed Assistant District Superintendent of Education at the Indian Affairs Regional Office. Frank and Evelyn lived in Winnipeg until 1986. In addition to his work with Indian Affairs, he and Evelyn owned and managed numerous apartment buildings. He retired in 1986 and spent several years with Evelyn travelling throughout Canada and the United States in their Airstream. Their move to Benito in 1988 did not change their travel lifestyle, which now encompassed Europe and Africa. While in Benito, Frank also devoted himself to assisting his ailing brother Nick. At the time of Franks death, he and Evelyn were in the process of moving back to Winnipeg. Franks interests were eclectic. He enjoyed carpentry and home renovation as much as reading classical literature and drama or watching a Blue Bomber game. His primary motivation throughout his life was his family and he took the greatest pride in his sons accomplishments. In addition he was faithful to his friends and colleagues in the various communities where he lived and served. He took joy in visiting and spending time with his grandchildren, Lawrence and Lisa. Above all he was devoted to his wife Evelyn. Franks father Phillip passed away in 1969 and his mother Nellie in 1985. His brother Nick died in 2000. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, his son Richard and wife Alison, and his son Howard and wife Peggy. Richard and Alison have two children, Lawrence and Lisa. Also surviving Frank is his brother Peter and wife Laura. Services were held at Neepawa Riverside Cemetery on August 29, 2001 with the Reverend J. Ball presiding. Whites Funeral Chapel handled the arrangements. Pallbearers were Peter Veregin, Richard Veregin, Howard Veregin, Maurice Kohut, Angus Starr and Ted Wilson. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 07, 2001