FRANK HORACE MEADS

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FRANK HORACE MEADS Peacefully on Sunday, October 17, 2004, Frank Meads, 84 of Ashern, MB, with family at his side. Dad was born January 16, 1920 in Calverton, Nottinghamshire, England. His parents and six siblings immigrated to Canada in the spring of 1926, landing in Nova Scotia and settling in Stonewall, MB. Dad enlisted December 8, 1941 and during his service with the Air Force, built radar stations and airports on the west coast, in Abbotsford and on Langera Island. He was very proud of the fact that hes been "coast to coast" in Canada and was proud to consider himself a Canadian. After his discharge in January 1946, he went home to the family farm and proceeded to begin his long farming career. On September 25, 1948, he married Mabel Johnson and together they started their own farm in the Stonewall area for 13 years before moving east of Beausejour in the Golden Bay area in 1961, then to Hazel Glen in 1963 and to Moosehorn in 1978. Dad retired from the farm in 1995 and moved into Ashern. Dad was a quiet man who took pride in building things to last - an example of this is the chicken barn still standing three miles south of Stonewall. He recently remarked that after all these years "the roof is still straight". He always enjoyed watching his game shows, in his favourite chair with the remote in one hand and chocolate "Rosebuds" in the other. In addition to enjoying his own grandchildren, he loved the energy and noise of the children from the high school across the road. Dad and Mom got great pleasure out of jumping in the car and setting off for a drive with no particular destination in mind. A farmer to the core, Dad loved farm life, especially walking the fields and taking care of the livestock and farm pets. He was extremely proud of his family, his seven sons and two daughters, and most especially his 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He always loved to say that the number of sons and daughters all "evened out" when everyone got married. Dad is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mabel; son Cliff (Linda) son Lorne (Lorelee), their children, Daniel and Vanessa; son Tom (Cindy), their children, Oliver and Aaron; son Don (Cheryl), their children, Corey, Tim, Paul and Megan; daughter Susan (Terry) McKay, their children, Katelyn and Carleigh; son Fred (Dianne), their children, Sarah, Kristen and Callie; son Bill (Linda), their children, Andrew, Nick and Brian; son Victor (Amanda), their child Aidan; daughter Barb (Bruce) Shaw, their children, Rachel and Emily; and also two great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Cain. He is also survived by brother Albert (Irene) Meads; sisters, Nellie Smith and Winnifred (Joe) Doak; sisters-in-law, Emma Meads, Lyla Jydstrup, Charlotte (Donald) MacDonald, and Sharon Henry; brothers-in-law, Ken Appleyard, Kent (Janet) Johnson and Eland (Dorothy) Johnson; along with nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, and many friends. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Maria Meads; brothers, Arthur Meads, John Meads; sisters, Alice Meads, Lillian Meads, Mary Walker, Viola Appleyard; brothers-in-law, John Smith, Jim Walker and Ron Jydstrup. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ashern Legion Hall with Pastor Bill Watson officiating. A luncheon will follow. A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stonewall Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his seven sons. Friends and relatives may pay their respects from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20 at the Arnason Funeral Home in Ashern. Viewing also at the hall prior to the service. The family wishes to express our deep gratitude to the Lakeshore General Hospital staff and Home Care workers for all their wonderful care. Special mention to Drenna, Byron, and Judy. A huge thank you to Colleen for being Dads special angel that day. Many thanks to Arnason Funeral Home for their caring and compassion. You thought of everything. Flowers are gratefully declined. If people so desire, donations may be made to a charity of their choice. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOMES LTD. ASHERN - LUNDAR (204) 768-2072

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2004