Frank CORBEY

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CORBEY: Frank Corbey was born Sunday, January 28th, 1951 to parents Victor & Gabrielle Corbey-Brouns in Thorn, Limberg, Netherlands and passed Saturday, October 29th, 2016 in Minnedosa Hospital, Minnedosa, MB with loving family by his side after a lengthy illness. Frank's life journey began in the Netherlands. In August of 1953 his fathers' love of farming carried the young family across the Atlantic to Pier 21, Halifax, Canada. Followed by the long train ride from Halifax to Winnipeg and finally Rivers, MB. Frank's Father: Victor, Mother: Gabrielle, and two oldest of Frank's siblings: Harriet and John, along with his Uncle Chris joined in the life changing adventure. The first years in Canada were often difficult for the adults, but Frank, protected by their love, saw nothing but an opportunity to use his inquisitive nature and explore and grow into this new land. After a time, Frank's family settled on SE 29-13-21wpm where they created a lovely farm home. During this period, Frank was blessed to have sisters: Mary-Anne and Vicky join the family adding the joy that only younger sisters can bring to this busy, tightly bonded household. Frank's days were spent the same as many youngsters on the farm: outdoor play with the neighbour children where imagination and daring ruled the day, and anything could be attempted "once". Frank's Mom arranged an annual summer trip to camp on Lake Manitoba. This became a touchstone summer destination, with Frank then taking the next generations to enjoy the broad expanse of water and sand. At a very tender age Frank learned to run the tractor; one of mention, the Case 500. He spent many hours doing summer fallow for his Dad and some of the neighbours as well.Frank attended school in Oak River, Rivers and ACC for Heavy Duty Mechanics. Frank worked at Western Engine in Winnipeg and became a member of Operating Engineers. This affiliation sent him to many interesting places across the west and great north. Frank's own love of farming was a constant in his life, though, and these jobs were a means to that end. In 1973 Frank purchased the Gordon Elliott farm, which he and the neighbours referred to as "Totonka". On November 6th, 1984, Frank married his best friend, Eileen Glenn. Together with Eileen's son Chris, they made their home in Strathclair. On July 27th, 1989, they were blessed to welcome son Andy into their lives providing Frank with his next farming partner! While farming was a huge interest to Frank, his love and sense of responsibility to family and friends was strong. In recent weeks we have had many people share stories of what Frank, at the time, considered small gestures on his part, be revealed as significant moments to these family members and friends. So wonderful for Frank to have heard that he had, had a positive effect. Frank stood by his Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Jets! He completely lost interest in watching the NHL until "the Jets" came home again! Frank's years were filled with gatherings of friends and family. Many miles to minor hockey and ball games to watch Chris and then Chris's sons enjoy their sports. Many miles on sleds to poker derbies and ice fishing locations with Andy. Frank enjoyed a varied genre of music and attended many live entertainers. He thoroughly enjoyed trips to Holland strengthening ties with the family there. Frank was a life-long learner embracing modern farming and information technology. He was politically motivated and opinionated and thoroughly enjoyed such conversations. He loved keeping abreast of world affairs. In recent years, Frank and Andy have spent their focus on farm improvements. Frank was energized by this focus as he faced down his many health challenges. Frank is lovingly remembered by: friend, wife Eileen; son Andy (Donelda); step-son Chris (Jodi) Chris's boys: Cole, Brady and Jamie; his dear mother Gabrielle Corbey; his brother John (Emily) Corbey; sisters Mary-Anne Reynaud; Vicky (Derrick) Schreiner; In-laws: Alice Glenn; Jack (Jessie) Glenn, Glenda (Roger) Wegleitner; Shelley Glenn; Carson (Cheryl) Glenn and many nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his dear father Victor Corbey, his sister Harriet and Dennis Lamb; brother-in-law Wayne Reynaud; Uncle Chris Corbey, his god-parents Ton and Roos Vorselen; In-laws: Roy Glenn; Ed Brodacki; Russell(Karen) Glenn; Don Glenn and other loved family the Netherlands and Canada. A funeral service was held to honour Frank's memory on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the Riverdale Community Centre, Rivers, MB with interment at the Pettapiece Cemetery. If friends so desire donations may be made to the War Amps Child Amputee Program or a charity of choice. Rae's Funeral Services, Shoal Lake, MB. were in charge of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 12, 2016