20  August  1930-20 December 2014

Frank was born at his grandparents home in Calgary,`one day prior to Princess Margaret Rose. His Dad farmed in Acadia Valley where his Mother was the local school teacher. When Frank was 6, the family moved to an irrigation farm  outside Brooks. Frank was baptised in St. Stephen`s Anglican Church, Calgary and his high school year book lists his ambition `to be a minister`. He started out in medicine but was first and foremost a social worker, always willing to listen and help others. Frank obtained a BSC in Zoology and Chemistry UofA ’54 and while there participated in the Drama Club and also sang and toured with the Mixed Chorus. During the summer he drove Brewster Buses in the Canadian Rockies when the buses could not negotiate the switchbacks, meaning he had to back up, before going forward again. The passengers became fearful and would clap when each one was completed. Frank would announce that his mother was the pastry chef at one of the Lodges and recommend the butter tarts. Mom Wiedeman said `ìf she had a nickel for every butter tarts she made, she`d be rich“. Another summer was spent doing road surveying in the Slocan Valley in Northern BC and the Yukon. He graduated with a MSW from UBC in May 1959 and was an active member of both the Alberta and Canadian Associations of Social Workers. While working as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Edmonton in 1959, Judge Athelstan Bissett introduced him to Policewoman Eileen Boyd. Eileen was crowned `Miss Edmonton YMCA`in 1960 and the two were married the following year.  By this time Frank was working for the Alberta Alcoholism Foundation in Edmonton, later in Calgary and was lent to the Yukon Territorial Government to set up a service for them, which he did. Their daughter Janet was born in Whitehorse in Dec 1965. Frank was promoted and returned to Edmonton as Assistant Director of the new Henwood Rehabilation Centre.

They bought their 1st home in Edmonton and Susan was born there in April ‘67 and Lori in Dec 1968. In May 1971, the Wiedemans moved to the NWT where Frank was Superintendent of Social Development for the Fort Smith Region.(largest of the four: Inuvik, Fort Smith, Keewatin and Baffin Island). Frank continued his interest in the church, serving as minister`s warden in St. Timothy`s Anglican Church Edmonton and on St. John`s Anglican Church vestry in Fort Smith. He served on St. Ann`s Hospital Board, Fort Smith while the new hospital was being planned and helped to build the Curling Lounge. He served as Curling president as well as president couple of the Square & Round Dance Club. After a short stint in the mining community of Pine Point, NWT the family moved to Ft Nelson in 1980 where Frank set up a social agency ”Turning Point,” along with two other social workers, for the Ministry of Health. In 1983 he opened a Mental Health office for Golden and area, retiring to Victoria in 1988 when Premier VanderZalm offered public servants an early retirement package.  Not wanting to retire, he and another driver took over a business in difficulty, changing the name to Island Designated Drivers and carried on transporting vehicles from one dealership to another. Nineteen years later, his job ended Jan 13, 2007 when he slipped on black ice, flipping up in the air and landing with his right foot bent underneath – thus breaking 3 bones in his instep.

In Victoria, Frank was with Hillside Mall Walkers, Getting Higher Choir and Seniors Duplicate Bridge. He is survived by his sister Ann Young, sister-in-law Muriel Wiedeman, loving wife of 53 years Eileen and 3 daughters:  Janet, Susan and Lori, 4 grandchildren Roy & April Dundas, Graeme and Ian Sutton as well as 4 son-in-laws: Terry Dundas & Dan McLeod, Greg Sutton and Norm Wagner.

From small projects to large, Mr Fix-It Frank was a many faceted handyman doing carpentry, electrical and plumbing. He also passed courses in Security as well as Radio and TV Repair. He was a good natured, devoted husband & loving father and grandfather who sang, curled, square danced, liked building models, loved travel and cruising and was an avid reader and sometimes cook.

His grandson Graeme Sutton adds the following: Frank`s children and grandchildren will remember him as a fixture of love and support in all of our lives. Until his final months, he was always available to his family for advice or help with life`s problems no matter how small. By example, he taught us all lessons about life , family and responsibility that will shape us for the rest of our lives.

Frank went to his heavenly home in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec 20th.

Our family thanks all the many doctor and health staff who cared for Dad during his long, and valiant fight against cancer. (Cancer Clinic, Victoria General Hospital, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Beacon Community and Island Health, and the The Heights at Mount View, long term facility). We also extend sincere thanks to family and friends for their continuing prayers, care, thoughtfulness and support. A Celebration of Life with friends and family was held with Frank present on Nov 24, 2013. Remembrances in his name may be sent to the UofA Mixed Chorus Alumni Association, University of Alberta. Website: giving.ualberta.ca  Toll free 1-888-799-9899 or a charity of your choice.  Condolences through McCall Bros. Sequoia Gardens Funeral Home.

McCall Bros. Sequoia Gardens Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com

  • Mae Williams

    My dearest Eileen – it has been a whole year since Frank left this world and is now at peace – watching over you and the girls – if you look up into the clear night sky, you will see a star shining so bright, twinkling as Frank`s eyes often twinkled. May your memories comfort you and your family. May you have a blessed Christmas.
    Love Mae

  • Mae Williams

    My dearest Eileen – it has been a whole year since Frank left this world and is now at peace – watching over you and the girls – if you look up into the clear night sky, you will see a star shining so bright, twinkling as Frank`s eyes often twinkled. May your memories comfort you and your family. May you have a blessed Christmas.
    Love Mae

Leave Condolence

Type your condolence message into the box below and click "Submit". It may take up to 24 hours for it to appear. Your email address will not be published.

*

Search Website

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR