Our Dad, Frank Shumlich was born at home on 05-46-14 W3M in the Hatherleigh district north of North Battleford, Saskatchewan on Nov. 03, 1932, to Alex and Frances (Ornawka) Shumlich.  Frank was the youngest child with Michael and Mary (Starycki) as his siblings.  After moving for a time to the Redfield District, Alex purchased farmland in the Denholm area.

Frank was never idle; he farmed with his dad as well as worked off farm in the off times.   His first job was working for his uncle, Harry Chilibecki.  It was during this time with Harry doing construction that Frank learned to drywall.  Many a house in the district to this day was drywalled by Frank and later, he and his son Calvin.  One of his other jobs was working at a bakery.

Frank met Yvonne Stroo at a dance and soon they were married in 1957.  They welcomed their firstborn, Larry in 1958 and Calvin came along in 1960.  Together they worked the land and worked off farm to build a legacy that lives on still.

When he wasn’t working, Frank knew how to enjoy life.  He loved to dance. He and Yvonne belonged to multiple dance clubs in their younger years, and we were thrilled that Frank was able to enjoy it again when he moved into North Battleford in 2022.   He loved to play cards, kaiser with neighbours,  golfing at Aquadeo followed by happy hour with all the lake bunch, swimming and skiing into his 80’s.  He and Yvonne enjoyed travelling and spent many winters down south in Texas, and enjoyed Cuba, Hawaii, Jamaica and Mexico.  Their cabin at  Aquadeo was a gathering place for many of their friends as well as their sons’ friends; waterskiing and boating enjoyed by all.    Larry and his family used the cabin a lot so 3 generations got to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

When the boys grew up, life changed.  Larry moved away to Winnipeg for schooling in computers and then off to Calgary where he met his wife Lorraine, and they raised their 4 children.   Calvin stayed on the family farm where he and his wife Bev raised their boys.   Frank built a house for he and Yvonne just down the road, so he was always connected to the land.

2005 saw Frank lose Yvonne to cancer. Through her long battle, Frank stepped up to become cook, maid and care giver until circumstances led to Yvonne having to go into care in North Battleford.  Through her life, Yvonne had kept in contact with her childhood friend Carmon Bastian (nee Allenby).  When Yvonne was no longer able to keep Carmon updated, Frank assumed that role.  Carmon too suffered the loss of her husband and soon they had the chance to grab that brass ring of happiness again.  Carmon left her home and family and Edmonton and moved to Denholm, and they were married in 2007 with their families by their side.

This brought a whole new family into Frank’s world with Carmon’s two daughters, Sandra and Gale, their spouses, John and Brian and the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.    Frank loved to be with them, especially the little ones.  Christmases in Edmonton were a highlight for Frank. Frank loved to tell everyone that he had had a good life and that he had the love of two good women, two good children, two good daughters-in-law and wonderful grandchildren.

Frank and Carmon attended Notre Dame Catholic Church and St. Paul’s Anglican Church alternately.  They belonged to the National Association for Federal Retirees.  They were members of the Pioneer Hall and Topline Dance Club, continuing to enjoy one of Frank’s favourite activities – dancing.  Aquacise classes and swimming at the pool were another of Frank’s favourites.  And of course, coffee with friends at A & W.  Birthday parties with friends were a highlight – supper, cake and a “small” glass of wine.

Frank and Carmon lived in Denholm until they moved into the Caleb Village in North Battleford in 2022.  Once they adjusted, Frank thoroughly enjoyed visiting with many of the old “farmer” friends that also lived in Caleb.  It was fun to sit and listen to them tell their stories from years ago.  And of course, dancing, he loved that!

Despite living with a cancer diagnosis, Frank carried on living well for over 4 years from when they told him they could do nothing really for him.   He didn’t give up, he just carried on and he and Carmon were still able to enjoy those years together.     Let that be his lesson to us, live life, carry on and don’t quit.

And as Frank often said “Whatever will be, will be”. 

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A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. held at Notre Dame de Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Millan Sajonas as celebrant.  Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Frank Shumlich can be directed to BUH Foundation – designated to C.O.P.S – Po Box 1358 North Battleford, SK  S9A 3L8

Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

• Date : 2023-09-05
• Location : Denholm, SK