Obituary for Frank Barlishen
We are sad to announce the unexpected passing of Frank Barlishen at home on May 2, 2021.
Frank was born November 7, 1942 to Peter and Doreen, and not long after became big brother to James. Frank went to school in Killarney, then was a graduate of the Faculty of Engineering (Civil) at the U of M. He worked for DOT up north in the summers and, after graduation, for a consulting firm in Port Arthur, Ontario. He returned to the U of M for grad studies and then worked as a Water Resources Engineer with the province for 30 years before retirement, the cottage and grandchildren beckoned. He enjoyed his work and made many lifelong friendships. He was a very generous man, volunteered for SJB school, canvassed for charities and was always, always willing to help anyone with anything, along with an opinion on how to do it the right way. Frank loved the rink, and coached ringette and hockey at RH and SJF.
Frank and Diane (Gottfried) were together for 59 years, married for 57 of them, and raised four children together. Their 50th wedding anniversary was a treasured event with family, friends, fine shrimp, and a not so-fine anniversary chorus.
There were many classic family vacation road trips - six people in a wood panelled, always overheating station wagon, possibly some thrown tires and leaped fences, or for a special treat, camping in an old Volkswagen van. Like all Winnipeggers, there were a lot of trips to Grand Forks and margaritas at Paradiso.
Frank and Diane’s home was a gathering place with an open-door policy. Someone was always stopping by, knowing they would be welcome, whether they were happy, sad or in need. They enjoyed hosting all kinds of parties and get-togethers with Diane providing the top-notch catering services and Frank providing the not quite top-notch entertainment. He loved his Peking shrimp, turkey necks, leaving no plate uncleaned or floor morsel unclaimed, and finishing ice cream cones and freezies for his grandchildren. Frank also loved his sometimes long overdue DIY projects, where there may have been some falling off ladders and creative uses of rope-tied horseshoes.
His favourite place was the cottage he built with the help of his sons, a hammer, and lots of swears. He loved watching people have fun there playing baseball, horseshoes, volleyball, frisnok, swimming and enjoying the fire (but only if the wind was in the right direction).
Frank was known for his frugalness for himself but more so for his generosity to others, his ability to drop food on his shirt constantly, his willingness to share his wise advice, his stories to his grandchildren about his escapades as a young man, fondness for cars especially his Thunderbird and many Taurus wagons, his sweet tooth, baby snuggling skills, enjoyment of Harry Chapin and crossword puzzles, swimming at the lake and skating at the community club, watching his grandkids play sports and adding his unofficial coaching expertise, and most importantly, never turning down Diane’s cooking.
Frank was grateful for the many people in his life who so valued their time with him – his loving wife, Diane, children Kim (Mark), Chris (Wendy), Cam (Melanie) and Craig (Danielle), his most favourite people in the world, grandchildren Kevin (Laura), Kira and Claire, Carter and Colten, Zoey and Abby, and Anders and Everly, as well as niece Karen (Christophe) and grandnephews Calvin and Simon, brother James (Edie) and family, and brothers-in-law Jack (Gloria), Ronald, Kurt (Barb) and families. Frank was also looking forward to meeting his first great grandchild in June. Other special people in Frank’s life included Colin and Gwen, JoAnne, Paul, Steve and family, and his Coffee Club crew. Predeceased loved ones that Frank is now sharing his many opinions with include his mom and dad, his in-laws John and Fjola Gottfried, sisters-in-law Brenda and Susan, brother-in-law Bob, nephew Robbie and niece Amy.
Frank wanted everyone to know, “I had a ball.” So did we.
The family is having a private service in the summer and interment in Gimli.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Rossbrook House or any charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Frank was born November 7, 1942 to Peter and Doreen, and not long after became big brother to James. Frank went to school in Killarney, then was a graduate of the Faculty of Engineering (Civil) at the U of M. He worked for DOT up north in the summers and, after graduation, for a consulting firm in Port Arthur, Ontario. He returned to the U of M for grad studies and then worked as a Water Resources Engineer with the province for 30 years before retirement, the cottage and grandchildren beckoned. He enjoyed his work and made many lifelong friendships. He was a very generous man, volunteered for SJB school, canvassed for charities and was always, always willing to help anyone with anything, along with an opinion on how to do it the right way. Frank loved the rink, and coached ringette and hockey at RH and SJF.
Frank and Diane (Gottfried) were together for 59 years, married for 57 of them, and raised four children together. Their 50th wedding anniversary was a treasured event with family, friends, fine shrimp, and a not so-fine anniversary chorus.
There were many classic family vacation road trips - six people in a wood panelled, always overheating station wagon, possibly some thrown tires and leaped fences, or for a special treat, camping in an old Volkswagen van. Like all Winnipeggers, there were a lot of trips to Grand Forks and margaritas at Paradiso.
Frank and Diane’s home was a gathering place with an open-door policy. Someone was always stopping by, knowing they would be welcome, whether they were happy, sad or in need. They enjoyed hosting all kinds of parties and get-togethers with Diane providing the top-notch catering services and Frank providing the not quite top-notch entertainment. He loved his Peking shrimp, turkey necks, leaving no plate uncleaned or floor morsel unclaimed, and finishing ice cream cones and freezies for his grandchildren. Frank also loved his sometimes long overdue DIY projects, where there may have been some falling off ladders and creative uses of rope-tied horseshoes.
His favourite place was the cottage he built with the help of his sons, a hammer, and lots of swears. He loved watching people have fun there playing baseball, horseshoes, volleyball, frisnok, swimming and enjoying the fire (but only if the wind was in the right direction).
Frank was known for his frugalness for himself but more so for his generosity to others, his ability to drop food on his shirt constantly, his willingness to share his wise advice, his stories to his grandchildren about his escapades as a young man, fondness for cars especially his Thunderbird and many Taurus wagons, his sweet tooth, baby snuggling skills, enjoyment of Harry Chapin and crossword puzzles, swimming at the lake and skating at the community club, watching his grandkids play sports and adding his unofficial coaching expertise, and most importantly, never turning down Diane’s cooking.
Frank was grateful for the many people in his life who so valued their time with him – his loving wife, Diane, children Kim (Mark), Chris (Wendy), Cam (Melanie) and Craig (Danielle), his most favourite people in the world, grandchildren Kevin (Laura), Kira and Claire, Carter and Colten, Zoey and Abby, and Anders and Everly, as well as niece Karen (Christophe) and grandnephews Calvin and Simon, brother James (Edie) and family, and brothers-in-law Jack (Gloria), Ronald, Kurt (Barb) and families. Frank was also looking forward to meeting his first great grandchild in June. Other special people in Frank’s life included Colin and Gwen, JoAnne, Paul, Steve and family, and his Coffee Club crew. Predeceased loved ones that Frank is now sharing his many opinions with include his mom and dad, his in-laws John and Fjola Gottfried, sisters-in-law Brenda and Susan, brother-in-law Bob, nephew Robbie and niece Amy.
Frank wanted everyone to know, “I had a ball.” So did we.
The family is having a private service in the summer and interment in Gimli.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Rossbrook House or any charity of your choice would be appreciated.