FRANK RICKNER

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

• Robbie I remember him as a clown at the legion picnic when my kids were small. He blew up balloons for them and gave them candy. Made them very happy. I am glad you gave me the salt and pepper shakers. It will always remind me of him and you too when I look at them. - Posted by: Lynn (Cooper) Hogsden (family friend) on: Oct 09, 2015

• Uncle Frank was a happy soul--Great memories of our dinners at the Beach. Telling Tales of the past to my kids and keeping up the cherished memories of the history of Grand Beach and Grand Marais. Seeing him on Friday Oct 1st, I asked for one of his famous smiles--He gave me a very big one. I am glad I had that last meeting with him. Take care Uncle Frank and you will be missed at the beach but memories always live on. - Posted by: Maureen Guzej (Niece) on: Oct 06, 2015

• I knew Frank in school in 1947/48 (East Kildonan Collegiate) I was sixteen and had such a crush (do they still use that word?) on him. I am now 84 years old. He was kind, funny and I never forgot him. No male ever quite lived up that memory.I moved to Ontario in 1952 but visited family in Winnipeg in Sept. and attended E.KC.100-year celebration which brought back memories and Google gave me Frank's obituary. I am so happy to know he had a lovely family and a happy life. - Posted by: Merle Roberts (Friend) on: Oct 05, 2015

• Notes for Sean and Robin and extended family members about your Dad, Frank. Comments are from Frank’s friends at the Rec Hall Seniors group and neighbours near his home. Oct. 2nd 2015 In no special order: • Good attitude • Greeted Everyone, and one of the first to welcome new members • Gave lots of hugs • Very proud of his children and grandchildren, kept lots of pictures of them • Always a helper at Seniors Events “I’m Here, I’m here, what can I do.” • Always first to volunteer • Great sense of humour Jokes, and stories of Grand Beach from years ago when he and his parents had a cottage here He first rented a cabin here then afterwards purchased one of his own with Dee Had lots of memories of his extended family through out those years • He did a “little dance” frequently to lighten events • Always wore a Christmas tie • Had a beautiful voice and often led the singing of Christmas Carols • Frequently made “green jello” for Pot Luck Dinner , and it was usually only half set. He always was surprised it was not jelled completely. • Worked for CNR Via Rail, as a ticket master • Was one of the people who came to Grand Beach/Grand Marais by train as no roads at that time. This area was a major place many people came to enjoy on weekends for dancing and had a huge dance hall at that time. • His parents, cousins and extended families of that time were also weekenders here, he talked about memories of all the family getting together • He said his first wife was ”the love of his life”, she passed away when the Sean was in his teens • Married for the second time in Kildonan Park • Active physically o Walked Lacey most days (his Bishon Frise) o Did the same previously with Buddy (his brown and white cocker spaniel) o Said “Buddy was his buddy” (Buddy was a one person dog, not necessarily friendly to other people) • Played cards, crib, on Monday nights at Garry’s house for many winters • Watched football regularly with the Group of Six • An active Legion Member at the Logan Legion in Weston area of Winnipeg • Years back was a Catholic Church Member • Went on a Cruise for his 75th birthday celebration • Loved acting, doing SKITS with others at the rec hall • Was a member of the Victoria Beach Drama Club “The Merry Makers” • Enjoyed curling in his younger years, and stick curling as a senior • Artistic: did puppetry and taught his sons to do the same o Both his sons were on TV with puppetry, Adam “Buckey and the Beav” o Shawn, “Spotted Dog”, a noon time show o Was a Wood carver, made a mouse for the neighbour’s “Wonderland Garden” o Played guitar o Made stained glass objects, and frequently gave them away • Winemaker, loved red wine, made his own, and he and his friends often drank it before it was even bottled • Offered a glass of wine as first beverage to guests • Loved to garden and be outdoors • Rode a bike • Often sitting on the shore by the water • Wanted to be independent, neighbours offering help, “no thanks I can do it myself” He was a well respected member of the community and a good friend of many. Many of us will miss him greatly. Our memories include lots of Good Times together. This happy face is a good symbol of what Frank was like; he did have his serious side, too. On behalf of all of us here in Grand Marais and the East Beaches and Victoria Beach area, we offer our sympathy and best regards for each of you, his family. We are wishing you well as you work through this time of his death. We hope he is at peace, and in a better place. Compiled by Val Burch one of the newer members of the Grand Marais Seniors Group and community, and now the caregiver of Lacey along with my husband Dave Mattern. - Posted by: Val Burch (friend) on: Oct 05, 2015

• A great neighbour and family friend to my whole family. Frank will be missed by everyone that knew him! - Posted by: Brenda Bennett (Adams) (Neighbour) on: Oct 03, 2015