It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Frank on November 25 at Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke.
Frank’s early childhood was spent in Vancouver, then in Nelson, B.C. After graduating from high school in Nelson, he began his thirty-five years with the CPR. Working for this company was a family tradition; his uncles were noted pioneers of the CPR. in the Kootenays. As a locomotive engineer Frank enjoyed an adventurous and satisfying career.
A passionate tennis player (With many broken racquets to prove it!), Frank played superbly and daily (weather permitting) until a year ago. He also loved hockey and played enthusiastically on both Nelson and Revelstoke teams. When he “retired” as a player, Frank became a referee for the sport. As referee-in-chief for the Revelstoke Minor Hockey League he skated flawlessly through hundreds of games until he was seventy, quitting only because he wanted to spend more time at his “home away from home” in Palm Springs. In his later years Frank took up carving as a hobby and his children became very grateful recipients of his beautiful creations.
Frank is survived by his devoted wife Joyce and his three children: Gail (Gerry) Cretelli of Vancouver, Noel Christian of Kamloops and Wayne (Maureen) Christian of Revelstoke; six grandchildren: Toni (Paul), Trisha, Marquis (Lindsay), Tyler (Kate), Evan and Aaron; and six great grandchildren: Tyson, Taylor, Seth, Kayson, Kaleb and Isabella. Frank held his family above all else and treasured his times with them.
Frank will be missed greatly by his family and friends. His dear friend John Misuraca summed up this sentiment so aptly: “We have lost a great man and father.”
A private family gathering will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church to bless his ashes. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held in the spring of 2013.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice can be made in Frank’s memory.
Messages of condolence may be sent to Frank’s family by visiting his obituary at www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com
