Peacefully on April 17, 2026, at Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital, Raymond (Ray) Frank passed away at the age of 94 years, after a short battle with cancer.

Dad was born March 19th, 1932, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the youngest and last surviving child of Ted and Minnie Frank’s fourteen children and the only one to be delivered in a hospital. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Rosewood, Manitoba and attended elementary school there before moving to Winnipeg where he finished his education at Hugh John McDonald and St. John’s High Schools.

After graduating from the Radio College of Canada in Toronto, he began his telecommunications career as a radio operator working for NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command) on the D.E.W. line in the Canadian Arctic near Tuktoyaktuk N.W. Territories, then several places in British Columbia: Muncho Lake, Koidern, and Prince Rupert for other employers.

While in the Canadian Naval Reserve he recalled his travels to Australia and New Zealand as the most beautiful places he had been. However, the small town of Ear Falls, in the ruggedness of Northwestern Ontario, was where he chose to set roots.

His troubleshooting ability paved the way for work on the electrical maintenance crew for Griffith and South Bay mines until he eventually embarked in his own retail business selling and installing satellite receivers, CB radios, stereos and computers. Dad’s passion for electronics and communication not only defined his professional path but also earned him respect in his community with the nickname, 'Radio Ray,' a trusted expert in his field.

Dad loved to be outdoors and became fascinated by prospecting. For decades he actively staked and worked his mining claims all over the area in the search of precious metals and minerals and was awarded a Lifetime Ontario Prospecting License. This “hobby” remained his passion until the end of his days.

With him through most of his adventures as his dedicated, patient, and loving wife of nearly sixty-nine years, was our mom, Brenda (nee Dreger of Selkirk, Manitoba). They met at the YMCA in Winnipeg and married in 1956. They flourished through the good times and navigated the tough times together bringing six children into the world and as business partners of The Variety Halt retail store in Ear Falls from 1977 to 1996.

Besides his parents and siblings, Dad was predeceased by our Mom (2025), an infant son Glen, son Colin and son-in-law Frank Liedtke.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children Lori (Gavin) of Winnipeg MB, Garth of Ear Falls ON, Maureen of Cranbrook BC, Jason (Ruth) of Ottawa, ON and daughter-in-law Tammy Ash of Cochrane ON, as well as eleven grandchildren and three great grandsons.

A memorial service and internment will take place at St. Andrews on the Red Anglican Church and cemetery in St. Andrews, Manitoba where he will be laid to rest next to Mom. Date and time to be announced.

Dad was a proud Canadian Legion member for four decades. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations in his name be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #238, in Ear Falls Ontario.