Frank LUSHAW

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LUSHAW: Frank ”Looper” Lushaw, after receiving ongoing care at the Calvary Personal Care Home, died peacefully at 8:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve at the age of 90, at Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg. Frank was born on April 13, 1928 to Peter and Josephine “Jessie” Lushaw in Brandon. Frank leaves his only child Murray, wife Jeanne (nee Bilinski), and three grandchildren Tanner, Connor and Miranda all of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his wife Joyce who died at the age of 74 (2005). Frank is survived by his sisters Anne (Mike Bohatschuk, deceased) and Marion (Bill Lange, deceased); nieces and nephew Cheryl, Joyce, and Ken. He was predeceased by his niece, Dean. Frank began life in the North end of Brandon at 36-8th Street North. He told stories of raising and training pet pigeons under the 8th Street bridge as a child. His schooling proceeded to grade 10. He loved fishing, a hobby he would continue for most of his life. Many of his fishing and other exploits were shared with his longtime best friend, Herb Gudz. Frank started as a wiper and fireman at the CP Railroad in June of 1945, and was promoted to engineer in December of 1952. He worked out of many terminals across Canada. The last five years were spent as an engineer on the VIA. He took the last passenger train out of Brandon on January 16, 1990. This was also his final run. During his 44 years and 8 months of service, no demerit points were ever received.  Frank remained a proud member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He enjoyed the camaraderie with the members of the railroad, and going for morning coffee with various people.  He married his wonderful wife, Joyce on October 27, 1956. They would maintain continual residence at 30 Cottonwood Crescent until he required nursing care. Frank was a member of the UCT and Sokol Hall. He loved to carry on with a whistle, and was an avid photographer and film taker. He was also a stamp and coin collector. He had a great sense of humor and desire to tease! Most that knew him were privileged to hear his famous “cat call” and his loud and boisterous laugh! Usually, this would happen after telling one of his jokes. Even near the end he would lunge and surprise fellow residents at the care home "spook them", and then laugh out loud at their reaction! Frank was a product of his generation. He was fiercely independent, and possessed a tremendous work ethic. He took great care of his garden, his fishing rods, and especially the cars he owned through the years. He loved to play cards games such as Hola, solitaire, and especially cribbage. Crib would be a game that he would play well with his family up until close to his passing. He would constantly question his opponents when he got the lead if they would like to quit and start to sniff the air if he thought he could skunk them! Thank you to all at Fairview PCH in Brandon, and Calvary Place PCH in Winnipeg for their loving attention to Frank. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 933 Assiniboine Avenue with Rev. Fr. Michael Tkachuk officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Cancer Care Manitoba.E.J. Coutu & Co.Funeral Directors204-253-5086www.ejcoutu.ca

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 02, 2019