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Frank Charles Wilson, age 87 years, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22 surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. </p>
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Born on Sept. 17, 1926 in Winnipeg, Manitoba he moved to Port Arthur as a young child with his parents. </p>
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In 1951 Frank married Arline (Rutledge) and raised 4 beautiful children together. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage on June 16th. Frank served in the Canadian Army; upon his discharge he apprenticed as a sheet metal mechanic working for New Idea Sheet Metal for many years. </p>
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In March 1954 Frank joined the Port Arthur Fire Department and retired as Platoon Chief after 32 l/2 years of service. </p>
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He attended St. James and Prospect Ave. public schools and the Port Arthur Technical High School. Frank was very athletic and excelled in sports. In his younger days he played hockey, football and broomball, played soccer with the Finnish Reipas and United Soccer teams and served as a coach and league referee. He was a long-time member of the P.A. Curling Club; also a Past President of the Club and member of the Go-Slow League, member of the former Finnish Athletic Club Nahjus and member of the P.A. Legion, Branch #6. He also enjoyed a good round of golf. In 2009 he received the City of T.B. Volunteer Service Award. </p>
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A summer camp at Ishkibbible Beach served as a summer retreat for over 45 years where many family re-unions, saunas and bonfires were enjoyed. For several years Frank and Arline travelled to Apache Junction, Arizona for a winter get-away in their motorhome. They had a very enjoyable trip to England, Scotland and Europe several years ago. Frank was a long-time member of Trinity United Church.</p>
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Each summer Frank grew a bountiful vegetable and flower garden. His hobbies included wood-working and many hand-made ornaments and furniture are enjoyed by members of his family. He built his present home and made many renovations to his summer camp. </p>
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He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Arline, sons Terry, Dennis and daughters Sherry Nyberg and Patty Wilson. Also surviving are grandchildren Dan (Lisa), Aurielle, Ashley (Chris), Saige and Maija and step grandson John (Crystal); great grandchildren Nathan, Jordan, Melody and Kaitlyn; sister Anita Maki of Sudbury; sisters-in-law Dolly Amadeo of Marathon and Loretta Martola of Neenah, U.S.; also many nieces, nephews and other relatives in Canada, U.S.A. and England. He was predeceased by his parents, Ivy and Bert Wilson; Mother-in-law Elsie Rutledge; brothers-in-law Walter Maki, Peter Amadeo and Mauri Martola, son-in-law Brian Nyberg.</p>
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His final years were spent at the Older Adult Rehabilitation Centre at St. Joseph’s Care Group where he had the wonderful care and support of a dedicated staff. As per his wishes cremation has taken place.</p>
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A memorial service to celebrate the life of Frank Wilson will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street, with Rev. Randy Boyd presiding. </p>
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The inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery. </p>
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In lieu of flowers donations to the Thunder Bay Humane Society or the Thunder Bay Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated. </p>
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Online condolences may be made at <a href="http://www.sargentandson.com" target="_blank">www.sargentandson.com</a>. </p>
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