The family of Frank Edward Strong, age 91 years, of North Battleford, Sask. sadly announces his passing at River Heights Lodge, March 2, 2015. Frank Edward Strong was the youngest child born to Ada and George Strong weighing only 2 1/2 pounds. Grandpa often told people the story about how his mom had to feed him with an eyedropper and kept him warm by wrapping him up and placing him close to the oven door. Frank grew up in the Cochin area, lived on the family farm, and attended school at Murray Lake. Frank was a dedicated CN rail worker for 28 years. After Frank and Edith were married in 1961, they resided in Maidstone and later moved to Lloydminster where grandpa worked. In the summer months, Frank would bid on other jobs in and around the British Columbia area. Grandpa has always been a creative thinker and often found ways to make things simpler. He created a special tool for the CN that was proven useful in cutting down work time. His tool was recognized and given an award from the CN. Frank and Edith loved their grandchildren and spent lots of time with them. The kids often talked about how they look forward to any type of holidays throughout the year because it meant Grandma and Grandpa would be around with lots of treats. When Tom and Damon grew up, they followed in Frank's footsteps and began working for the CN, which they both still work at today. Frank was always a social person and loved to be around people. After Edith passed away and he was retired, he would often go visiting friends and family. Frank met Doris while visiting his sister Hilda at the Valley View Tower. Frank and Doris married in 1988 and had a wonderful life together where they spent their time travelling and visiting Doris's sons and spending time with their grandchildren. Sadly, Doris developed Alzheimer's in 1996 and Frank looked after her at home along with the help of Home Care. In 1998, Doris moved to Battleford District Care. Frank being the loyal and loving husband that he was spent every day going to visit and tend to Doris right up until she passed away in 2003. They were married for 15 wonderful years. Frank has always been somewhat of an inventor even from a young age. When his dad could not walk anymore, Grandpa Frank made him a makeshift wheelchair that helped him get around. Throughout his lifetime, Frank was always coming up with new ideas and as he grew older, he got craftier. As he had bad hips and many surgeries it became impossible to cut his toenails so he created a special extender and turned something so simple into a useful tool for the older generations. I remember going to his house and his bathroom having baskets with face clothes in them. He rigged up a pulley type system where he would sit in the tub and pull on a cord that would lower a basket so he could get a face cloth. He had another system rigged up in his bedroom to turn off the light switch and that was before the clap on clap off system. Had the Dragon's Den been around when Frank was younger I am sure he would of cut a deal even with the toughest Dragon. Grandpa was never one to sit around. He was often on the go whether it was out riding his scooter to the Co-op, Country Cuisine or the Towers, he had friends everywhere. He was an avid garage saler and frequented many Kramer auctions sales even if it was only for the pies and bison burgers. George and Grandpa spent lots of time together going for drives. Right up until the day before he passed he asked George to put his big chair into his car so they go for another drive. At the age of 87 Grandpa began to feel that he was losing his energy so he began drinking Red Bull. Mom confronted him explaining to him that it was not good for him and his reply was that the can says energy on it and "I am low on energy". Most Mondays involved Grandpa and mom running around for appointments, Dollarama shopping and Country Cuisine bacon and eggs. Sometimes they went for longer day trips. One day they found themselves in Maidstone and Mom asked Grandpa if he would like to stop at the tool house and visit Uncle Damon and the CN crew. Mom knocked on the door and they all came out and helped get Grandpa out of the car and into the shop. Grandpa had a great time talking about tracks and trains. The picture on the back of the card is from that day and there you see Grandpa standing in front of a CN truck at 90 years old. Grandpa told mom that it has been a great day and he felt like a young man. Grandpa lived a good life, he was surrounded by people he loved and who loved him. He shared his birthday, November 26, with his nephew Leslie Cowie and his great niece Alisha Cowie. Grandpa was a smart, loyal and hardworking man. ÌýHe had a big heart and touched many people lives. He will be missed but never forgotten. He will be missed by his sister Ruby Gaddy; 5 stepchildren; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and 8 great -great grandchildren; numerous step children; nieces & nephews. Frank was predeceased by his parents, 2 wives, 1 common law spouse, 2 brothers, a sister and a nephew. A Funeral Service was held on Friday, March 6th, 2015 from Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Chapel.
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SPECIAL CARD OF THANKS
The family would like to thank Dr Holthauzen, Ambulatory staff and the 3rd floor nursing staff at the Battlefords Union Hospital for their excellent care provided to Frank in his time of need. A special thank you and with much gratitude to Home Care, River Heights Lodge nurses for their kindness, compassion and exceptional care that was given throughout the years.
