A Tribute to Frankie (Dad)

I'm so thankful to have shared my life with you both. Your home wherever the two of you were, was a special place to gather with the family and the world's problems would disappear.

Your knowledge in real estate assisted us with our first home and cottage. We might not

have listened to all your advice all the time but we could not have done it with out you!!

Your optimism at 90 was inspiring especially when you went out and bought a new car. When asked what were going to do after 90 you said you were going to live 100 and added "what else was I going to do". You almost made it!

You were there for a lot of major events in my family's life which was so appreciated ie, births of the our children and grandchildren, recitals, hockey games and graduations of family. There was always lots of smiles, hugs (dad's unique special hugs will be so missed!) and of course your puns!

You will be remembered as a very personable, fun loving and lovable Dad. The lessons in life that you instilled in us will be passed onto the next generation. Love you and miss you. Leslie Wolfe/Sy

Dear Mom,

My memories of dad come in waves. Dad’s joy in my accomplishments, him challenging me to go beyond my limits; our time in Mexico (2006), the Alaskan cruise (1998); dad bringing Santa home at Christmas when it was 20 below zero;  Thanksgivings in Jasper at Becker’s Bungalows and dinners at the kitchen table. Dad is part of who I am.  I will remember and cherish him always, especially when I see spring flowers and country landscapes, reminisce through family pictures or eat a fresh tomato from my children’s gardens. His humour and insightful comments will be recalled with joy at our family gatherings. 

Love forever, Sandi

In 2012 I traveled to Nova Scotia to take part in a very special art festival. One of the activities involved individuals creating a ribbon award to commemorate a place that was meaningful to them. We toured around the countryside as locals assigned their awards. I took part in making my ribbon but, unfamiliar with the area, I took it back to Ontario with me instead. I was calling Toronto a temporary home at the time and I am so grateful for the opportunity this gave me to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa more often than cross-country distance has allowed in recent years. I brought that ribbon to Markham and gave it to Grandpa in celebration of his and Grandma's backyard oasis. Like all of our family, I love that place. It holds memories from so many times in our lives, some momentous and others commonplace. On this particular hot, sunny, July afternoon Grandpa and I tied the ribbon to a post in the garden and shared a beer sitting on the bench and soaking in the sun. While so many of my wonderful memories have softened around the edges, fading into more feeling than specific detail, this afternoon remains vivid in my mind.

Our dearest Dad, Grandpa, Frank…you packed a lot into your 97 years here on earth. But, what many of us will remember most fondly is your love of gardening. The way you would ponder, cultivate, edge, and have your hands working in the soil. As your father passed on his gardening skills to you, you have passed it on to us. And we will each treasure that love in our own special way. When we held your 92nd through 96th birthdays in our backyard, we would work for weeks in advance to prepare our gardens for you to enjoy. We loved you, we will miss you, but we will always think of you in your happy place. Linda, Bruce, Dylan, Kendra and Connor.

Look at his smile! :)

What an absolutely amazing dinner with Grandma and Grandpa on Jan 17, 2020! I am so appreciative I was able to spend this lovely evening with Grandpa, enjoying his company and sharing in laughter. I miss you so much, Grandpa. I love you and will keep you close to my heart forever.