FRANK (FRANZ) BERTSCH -

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FRANK (FRANZ) BERTSCH 1923 - 2002 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frank on Wednesday, March 6, 2002 at the Grace Hospital. Surviving him to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Ingrid (Ingeborg) son Michael (Patti) daughters, Angelica and Kim; and his much loved grandchildren, Rhiannon, Ryan, Angie-Lee, and James. Also surviving are his brothers, Willy and Rudy and his sister Rosemarie and their families; as well as many other relatives, in-laws, and friends. Frank was born in Germany and received his education there. He had a love for flying that remained with him all his life, starting with building gliders as a youngster, earning his Silver "C" and serving in the German Luftwaffe, Jagd-geschwader Richt hofen during the Second World War. He was a POW in the USA and Britain and after his release, worked as a commercial artist before immigrating to Canada in 1951. He first settled in Hamilton, ON where his then fiancee Ingrid joined him and where they were married. A move to Thunder Bay brought a long association with Simpson-Sears as Visual Merchandise Manager and much involvement in the community. He was one of the founders and co-owners of the Lakehead Gliding Club, made his Canadian Pilot License at the Thunder Bay Flying Club, was Stage Manager and Designer for the Fort William Little Theatre and chairman for the Salvation Armys Red Shield Campaign. In 1964 Frank transferred with Sears to Winnipeg and continued working for them as Visual Merchandise Manager and Store Planner for their Winnipeg stores until his retirement in 1983. Frank loved his work and all the involvements that came with it. One of his most satisfying endeavours was organizing Operation Snowflake, a Christmas mercy mission to Duck Bay, an isolated community on Lake Winnipegosis. The request for a small donation to help brighten the childrens Christmas turned into a caravan of trucks bearing food, clothing, toys, and much Christmas Spirit. Frank had many talents, hobbies, and interests. He parachuted, glided, sailed, cross-country skied, curled and bowled and tried most everything else at least once. He was an accomplished artist and his annual Christmas windows were admired by many. However, it was the return to Alpine Skiing that brought him the most enjoyment in his retirement years. He skied many of Europes and the USAs slopes and was a regular at Sunshine Village, Banff, until his illness. He considered being called a ski bum a compliment. Quieter times were spent creating stained glass art or just being Mr. Fix It. Frank was a member of the Sears Retiree Club and associate member of the 17 Wing Officers Mess. He especially enjoyed TGIF nights and reminiscing with his wartime pilot buddies. The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr. P. Lu for good care and to their many friends for their unwavering support. Flowers are gratefully declined, but donations to the Childrens Wish Foundation, 350 St. Mary Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J2 or a charity of ones choice in Franks name would be much appreciated. Our lives are like seasons We live them one by one, From the early flowers in springtime To the bitter snows that come. May the life you spent among us Be reflected in years to come, And the memories we have gathered Be reward of your life well done. Your parting has left a void in us But we fill it through the years, With thoughts of laughter that we shared Your hopes, your dreams, your fears. We know that you are resting From the sorrow and the tears, In a place of warmth and comfort Where there are no days or years. And you will go on living In the hearts of those you touched, For nothing loved is ever lost And you were loved so very much. "Auf Wiedersehn" Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 9 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2002