Frank Barter Whitehead

WHITEHEAD: Frank Barter. We are saddened to advise the passing of our great and dear friend Frank on January 24th, 2024 at the age of 76 years. He leaves to mourn his passing his daughter Jennifer and her mom Barb, Sister Fay Atkins, nephews Kelly, Allan and Terence along with his longtime buddy and caregiver Neil McGill as well as countless friends.

Frank’s work life was as varied and interesting as he was. He might have stayed in the Yukon and been a guide forever had not the horse who kicked him decided otherwise, but the Yukon always had a special place in his heart. Frank was hired by the BC wineries to determine how many acres of grapes there were in the valley in the seventies. That lead to Jordan-Ste Michelle hiring him to liaison with their growers and he just carried on in the industry eventually having his own business supplying grape plants for hundreds of acres and as we all well know he loved the eventual product from those vines. In 2004, the Okanagan Wine Festival awarded Frank the prestigious Founders Award.

Those of us who knew him well, will recall many of the attributes that made him the guy we loved and will all remember. Many of us were recipients of his ongoing generosity both in time and gifts and we all benefited from his humour. When Frank walked into a party, the party got started and if he was cooking, you knew it was going to be a feast. Music was very important to Frank and he was always proud of his singing and acting role in Man of La Mancha. From his father Bill, Frank had an ongoing interest in the history of the Okanagan. Frank, as the old adage says, was also as honest as the day is long.

A gathering to share memories and honour our Friend Frank, will be held on March 15th, 2024 at 3:00 PM at the Kelowna Yacht Club.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299