Parcourez la nécrologie de Frank Brennan October 18 1934 November 18 2023 résidant dans la province Alberta pour le détail des funérailles
Frank’s Obituary
It is with great sadness that the Brennan family announces the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and long-time Peace River community member, Frederick (Frank) Richard Brennan. Frank was born in 1934, in Osage, Saskatchewan to Russell Maxwell and Esther (Nelson) Brennan and was the only boy of four siblings (Joyce, Dawn and Sharon). He grew up on the family farm before moving to Birch River, Manitoba.
At age 16, Frank left home to work on the railroad for CN in Manitoba and Ontario. He then moved to High Prairie in 1959 taking a job with Northern Alberta Railways. It was there he met his future wife Dolores McCracken. They started their family in 1962 and built a loving home with five active children. Their social life revolved around their children’s activities, and visiting was ongoing with the other sports parents. Through the years, he gained many friends working at the Peace River and McLennan railway stations until his retirement in 1999. Frank was the last active operator at the Peace River Station.
In Peace River, Frank played competitive fastball, and enjoyed recreational hockey, slo-pitch, curling and golf. As an active builder of the Peace River sporting community, he spent endless hours volunteering, umpiring, coaching, and groundskeeping. Frank coached his sons in hockey and baseball and watched his daughters in figure skating at the local arena. He travelled to numerous provincial competitions and championships with his children as a coach and avid supporter.
As a lifelong card player, he kept his family’s math skills sharp as he engaged them in Cribbage and many other card games. He put those skills to good use at his weekly visits to the Legion and won both a provincial and national Legion Crib Championship with the Peace River team. He and Dolores were often found at the kitchen table challenging each other to a game of Honeymoon Whist or Smear. He shared his love of hobbies (chicken hunting, bird watching and crossword puzzles) with his family. His commitment to birdwatching was furthered by participating in Peace Country bird counts for Alberta Forestry. He was an avid coin and agate collector, played the organ and accordion, loved listening to old-time music and dancing with his wife, and could be found doing 5-10 mile hikes in the hills.
Frank’s grandchildren were his pride and joy. His Irish eyes would twinkle and light up when they were around. He enjoyed watching games at the arena and would often be found perched behind the backstop with his archaic red cooler full of snacks. Frank chauffeured his grandchildren at every opportunity and spent countless hours at “Kick-Butt” arena hand shovelling the ice surface so it was pristine for a good skate. Eventually, he added a mini rink to his backyard, built the largest and most hazardous snow pile to play in, and facilitated many competitive games of small ball. The grandchildren knew that the freezer would always be full of ice cream treats, and they all looked forward to a post-game snack with Grandpa. Some of the cherished memories with his grandchildren included word puzzles at the table, a game of crib, and a complimentary teasing.
Frank’s appreciation for nature, and all that life had to offer was reflected in a meaningful catchphrase. He would describe these pure moments as the “sweet joys of life,” and truly wanted others to recognize all that life has to offer.
Frank was predeceased by his wife, Dolores Brennan, daughter, Shelly, and grandsons, Drayton, Jeremy and Nolan Brennan, and other special family members. Frank will be lovingly remembered by his children Patrick (Donna), Barbara (Terry) Brolly, Max (Sandra) and Frederick (Shelly), his eight grandchildren (Erin, Shivon, Riley (Kerin), Shane (Brookelyn), Tenielle (Mike), Terrik (Halle), Joel and Cooper) and his great grandchildren (Sophie, Bennett, Lotti, Bristol & Breck) and extended family members.
The Brennan family extend their sincere gratitude to the caregivers and staff at the Grimshaw Hospital long-term care unit, Points West and Peace River Hospital for their kindness, support and excellent care of Frank.
A private family memorial will be held in the spring with internment at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Peace, River Alberta. Memorial contributions can be made to the Drayton Brennan Memorial Scholarship www.draytonbrennanmemorial.ca/ or to the Peace River Legion.
The Brennan family asks that in honor of Frank, you make time to spend a few hours volunteering or supporting your local community organizations.
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October 18 1934 November 18 2023
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Frank Brennan October 18 1934 November 18 2023..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: High Prairie, Province: Alberta
avis deces Frank Brennan October 18 1934 November 18 2023
necrologie Frank Brennan October 18 1934 November 18 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Frank Brennan October 18 1934 November 18 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.