Henry Frank

Henry John FRANK

Henry John Frank passed away at his home in Saskatoon on June 5, 2021, at the age of 95. He is predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Avis Marian(Hatlelid) Frank. He is survived by his children: Gene(Gwen) Frank, Marian(Eric) Johnston, Donna(Jim) Stockdale, Audrey(Randy) Hayward, Grace Frank(John Hampton), and K. Gwen Frank(Michael Dangelmaier); grandchildren: Alison Frank, Adrian Frank(Alyson Borycki); Elsa Johnston, Carolyn Johnston(David Lyons), Suzanne Johnston(Steve Baliski); Aaron Stockdale, Erica(Chad Moir), Jonathan Stockdale(Chrystal Leptich); Jesse Hayward(Youngseo Lee), Lucas Hayward, Zachary(Amerens Van Der Heide) Hayward; William Hampton, Ruth Hampton; Pete(Megan) Bruce, and great-grandchildren: Elizabeth & Caroline Hambleton, Joshua, Oliver, & Emmett Lyons; Henry Stockdale, Angel Bessekrom, Leo Leptich & Miles Stockdale; Arjen & Eliska Hayward; Jude & Kobe Bruce.

Henry was born on the family farm SW of Bateman, SK, 6th of 15 children, to parents Henry and Christina (Hahn) Frank, on July 9, 1925, and, in 1938 moved with the family to the Tinkham farm  just west of Bateman to be closer to school. With older brothers in the RCAF, Henry worked on his parents’ farm during the war, and later in Alberta coal mines, northern Ontario gold mines, and logging camps at Ocean Falls, BC. Henry married Avis Hatlelid, a smart and lively teacher new to town, on his 24th birthday and soon after took over his parents’ farm at Bateman, raising  a family and living a good life. In 1984, Henry and Avis moved into a house he built himself in Gravelbourg, the town where he lived independently until 2018. He then moved to Saskatoon to be closer to his daughters. Henry was an energetic man whose talents went beyond farming: school bus driver, telephone lineman, power installer for homes during rural electrification, furniture builder, wood turner, and harmonica player. He had a fine tenor voice, singing for church and local choirs. A leader in his Bateman community, Henry served on school, church, and rink boards and later with the Gravelbourg Lions Club. A hockey and baseball player in his youth, he became a master bowler and coach in middle age. Henry was artistic, too. At 70, he became a woodturner, making many beautiful vessels over the next 20 years and was a member of the Saskatchewan Wood Workers Guild. Laughter came easy to him. His optimism and positive spin on hardships gave hope to others. His problem-solving abilities with uncooperative equipment left nothing broken or unfixed within his realm. Henry was ever-forward looking, marveling at new technology, embracing life as it was, his long life was full to the brim. Henry loved and was well loved.

Henry is also survived by his loving sisters and sisters-in-law Ruth Austin, Castlegar, BC; Eleanor(Bob) Leveille, Regina; & Enid Laughy, Flat Bush, AB; Colleen(Bateman) Frank, Swift Current; Norma(Austin) Frank, Phyllis(Noble) Hatlelid and Erna(Poirier) Hatlelid, all of Saskatoon. He also  leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he adored. Henry was predeceased by siblings Elizabeth(George) Bromberger, Eva(Nick) Gheress, Phillip Frank, Chris(Irene Heidt) Frank, Addie(Clifford) Paton, William Victor(infant), Rose(Cecil) Stewart, Otto Frank, Edna(Earl) Hill, Del Swanson, Norman Frank, and brothers-in-law David Hogg[Ruth], Grant Rochon[Eleanor], & Jim Laughy as well as Avis’s family: Shirley(Pat) Fitzpatrick, Tom Hatlelid, & Don Hatlelid.

Many thanks to the staff at Saskatoon Convalescent Home for the compassionate care Henry received these last few months, and to Kensington Gentle Care Home for giving him an excellent place to call home before that. Their dedicated and loving care during Covid was especially appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Prairie Hospice Society (https://www.prairiehospice.org), St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, (P.O. Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK, S0H 1X0), or a charity of one’s choice. Interment at Bateman Cemetery.  Arrangements are in care of David Schurr -  Mourning Glory Funeral  Services (306) 978-5200