Obituary for Frank De Witt Gartrell
It is with great sadness that the family of Frank Dewitt Gartrell, 78, of Lunenburg, NS, formerly of Thunder Bay, announce his passing on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater, NS.
Born in Hamilton, ON, he was a son of the late William Arthur and Martha (Wilde Rose) Gartrell.
Frank was many things – a teacher, a builder, an athlete, a friend, a Dad. His three loves in life were ski jumping, teaching, and family.
He will be remembered by his high school shop students as a caring instructor, imparting skills that would take them into their adult lives, whether in industry or at home.
Frank was known also for his involvement with ski jumping in Canada, from his early start at eight years old, competing in various events in Canada and Europe, until a fall ended his competitive days. He was not done with ski jumping and was very much involved with the organization of Big Thunder Ski Jumping Centre, where he sat on the board of directors, coached, and helped with the maintenance of the hills. For several years, he was colour commentator for CBC Sports, for many events in Thunder Bay and around the world.
After retiring from teaching, he travelled to NASCAR races, and visiting family and friends across the country, and working on his home at MacKenzie Beach. Following years of non-stop activity, his last adventure was a move to Nova Scotia, settling in Lunenburg, to be near family.
Frank will be remembered by family and friends as a kind and caring man, always willing to listen and give his time to others.
Frank is survived by his wife, Rosemarie; daughters, Claire Blaikie, Woodstock, ON, Margaret (Ryan) Romick, Ingersoll, ON; step-daughters, Susan Cannon, Victoria, BC, Elizabeth (Robert) Trenchard, Lunenburg, NS; step-sons, Garry (Yesica) Cannon, Calgary, AB, Christopher (Jacquelyn) Cannon, Thunder Bay, ON; sister, Mary (Lawrie) Sakamoto, Bury, PQ; as well as eleven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also survived by his best friend, his brother-in-law Frank (Sherrill) Delmo, the Frick to his Frack.
Besides his parents, Frank was predeceased by his son, Jonathon; brothers, William, Fred and grandchildren, Julia Mado and Georgia Romick.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg. In keeping with Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Northwest Ontario Sports Hall of Fame or the Adult and Teen Challenge of Thunder Bay would be appreciated by the family.
Born in Hamilton, ON, he was a son of the late William Arthur and Martha (Wilde Rose) Gartrell.
Frank was many things – a teacher, a builder, an athlete, a friend, a Dad. His three loves in life were ski jumping, teaching, and family.
He will be remembered by his high school shop students as a caring instructor, imparting skills that would take them into their adult lives, whether in industry or at home.
Frank was known also for his involvement with ski jumping in Canada, from his early start at eight years old, competing in various events in Canada and Europe, until a fall ended his competitive days. He was not done with ski jumping and was very much involved with the organization of Big Thunder Ski Jumping Centre, where he sat on the board of directors, coached, and helped with the maintenance of the hills. For several years, he was colour commentator for CBC Sports, for many events in Thunder Bay and around the world.
After retiring from teaching, he travelled to NASCAR races, and visiting family and friends across the country, and working on his home at MacKenzie Beach. Following years of non-stop activity, his last adventure was a move to Nova Scotia, settling in Lunenburg, to be near family.
Frank will be remembered by family and friends as a kind and caring man, always willing to listen and give his time to others.
Frank is survived by his wife, Rosemarie; daughters, Claire Blaikie, Woodstock, ON, Margaret (Ryan) Romick, Ingersoll, ON; step-daughters, Susan Cannon, Victoria, BC, Elizabeth (Robert) Trenchard, Lunenburg, NS; step-sons, Garry (Yesica) Cannon, Calgary, AB, Christopher (Jacquelyn) Cannon, Thunder Bay, ON; sister, Mary (Lawrie) Sakamoto, Bury, PQ; as well as eleven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also survived by his best friend, his brother-in-law Frank (Sherrill) Delmo, the Frick to his Frack.
Besides his parents, Frank was predeceased by his son, Jonathon; brothers, William, Fred and grandchildren, Julia Mado and Georgia Romick.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg. In keeping with Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Northwest Ontario Sports Hall of Fame or the Adult and Teen Challenge of Thunder Bay would be appreciated by the family.