Former Cariboo North MLA, Frank Garden passed away peacefully at home in Comox, in the loving arms of his family. He is survived by the love of his life his wife Margaret, their 5 children, Frank (Genia), Willie (Cristina), Kenny, Anne (Jim) and Roy (Vicki); 8 grandchildren, Dina, Jenny, Kris, Devon, Bailey, Miranda, Ryan, Nicole, great-granddaughter Evelyn, and his brother Jim in Scotland. Frank was born and raised in Arbroath, Scotland, where as a young bricklayer he fell in love and married Margaret, (from Dundee), beginning their 56 year journey together. They had 2 sons and Frank did a stint in the army before moving his family to Canada in 1957 where he landed a job in Powell River at the pulpmill. Over the next 22 years they had three more children and, Frank became active in the Foursquare church, the Artaban Society, was President of the Local 76 Pulp & Paperworkers Union, and first got a taste for politics. In 1979 Frank moved his family to Quesnel to work at Cariboo Pulp and Paper, and again was soon involved in several organizations, owned a Deli with Margaret, was a City Councilman and later became the Cariboo North MLA, where he worked relentlessly on behalf of his constituents. Frank was also well known for his singing, winning many Kareoke contests. After his time in Government, Frank and Margaret wanted to be closer to their children and grandchildren so they moved to Comox and then to Calgary. Frank and Margaret moved back to Comox in August of this year, where he lost his battle with cancer. A Celebration of Frank’s life was held Oct.19/07 in Powell River at the Foursquare Church. Grandsons Kris and Devon sang a duet, granddaughter Bailey sang a solo and Miranda read a letter she’d written to grandpa. MLA Nicholas Simons read a letter from Carole James and Frank’s good friend Steve Hilbert delivered the Eulogy. Bill Evans sang a solo and led the song service, accompanied by longtime family friend Auntie Sylvia MacNeil. The service ended with everyone on their feet, clapping and singing Frank’s rendition of “In My Heart There Rings a Melody” that would’ve made him proud. A reception followed at the Local 76 Union Hall.
Margaret and the family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and concern, kind words, cards and flowers. Also to Mike Verdeil, Pastor Jennifer Wright, Pat and Joanne and a special thank you to Karen, Vanessa, Vicki, Genia, Brenda, and especially to Steve and Kay, whom we’ll always consider family. Frank always stressed the importance of family including friends.
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