Edward John Franko passed away January 13, 2016, at the age of 84 years with his wife and family by his side at the Regina General Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Nellie Franko; brothers: Bruno, Stanley, Joey, Tony, John, Peter; sister: Stella; brothers-in-law: Steve Ryby Roy McConnell; sister-in-law Betty Franko. He is survived by his loving wife Doreen, Weyburn; children and grandchildren: Marlene Dudgeon, Beausejour, MB, and family: Lisa (Robert) Stewart, Robert (Mandie) Franko, Kaleigh Dudgeon; Mary (Barry) Boechler, Saskatoon, and family: Tracy (Ryan) Keefe, Stacy Boechler; Darren Franko, Weyburn and family Talan and Danielle; Jeannine (Brian) Kater, Weyburn, and family: Paige Kater and Reid Kater;聽 5 great grandchildren; pet dog Eddie; sisters: Anne (Clarence) Kephart, St. Albert, AB, Adelia Roline, Edmonton, AB; sisters-in-law: Betty Franko, Edmonton, AB, Mable McConnell, Drayton Valley, AB, as well as several nieces and nephews. Dad was born in Glen Park, AB, near the family farm. He worked for a pipeline company that was eventually purchased by Shell Canada and he continued to work with them, as a battery operator then retired as a production foreman in the 80鈥檚. While working for the pipeline, he fell fast for a young lady who returned the admiration. Within four months he proposed and they were married. Though their courtship was short, their love was forever. They lived in many oilfield towns and the last transfer was Weyburn. Loving the prairies so much, they chose to retire and were to even celebrate their 60th Anniversary this February 11th here. Dad鈥檚 first and foremost priority was his wife and children. He loved us all equally and unconditionally, welcomed our spouses with open arms and was the best grandfather. They all benefited from this to the fullest because of his early retirement. Also during his retirement, he kept busy making the yard into their own little sanctuary and with church and K. of C. activities. Any travelling they did was usually to visit their children wherever they were located or family back in Alberta. He was a huge animal lover 鈥� each and every pet was with them until its old age and because of our parents, all of us including grandchildren got that same love for animals. Prayers were聽 held on Sunday, January 17, at 7:00pm from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn.聽 A Mass of Christian Burial for Edward was held on Monday, January 18, 2016at 10:30am from St. Vincent Church, with Father Gerry Bauche celebrant. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Lunch was at the McKenna Hall, Weyburn. Pallbearers were all of Edward鈥檚 grandchildren. For family and friends so wishing, donations in memory of Edward may be made to the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation, Box 1416, Weyburn, SK, S4H 3J9, or STARS Air Ambulance, 2640 Airport Road, Regina, SK, S4W 1A3. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn (306-848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com 鈥淥ur Family Serving Your Family鈥�
