On November 22, 2017 we said our final goodbyes to Peter Frankow, after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully in hospice with his loving family by his side. Peter persevered through his illness while always showing strength and determination.
Peter was born in Port Arthur, Ontario on March 15, 1954. He attended St. James Public School and age he developed a love for music playing the violin, which led him to graduate with a music degree from the University of Manitoba. Wanting to share his passion for music with others, he went on to pursue a career in teaching, graduating from the University of Western Ontario. After graduation he was employed with Lakehead Public Schools for over 30 years, shaping and inspiring many students lives.
Throughout his earlier life, Peter won many awards and scholarships while playing the violin. He shared his talents with many orchestras including the Thunder Bay Youth Symphony, Thunder Bay Symphony, and University of Manitoba Orchestra. He was the church organist at St. Mary’s Our Lady Queen of Poland Church for 35 years and was very involved in the Polish community.
The only thing more important than music to Peter was his family. He was a very dedicated and loving husband and father, holding on long enough to welcome and hold his first grandchild. He was very proud of his children and enjoyed spending time with them. Peter’s fondest memories included growing up on Court St., family road trips, camping, rescuing animals and family dinners. Peter had a very big heart and not only rescued animals but with open arms welcomed all his friends to the family and helped anyone in need.
Peter will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Mary of 34 years, his children Lesia (Darrell) Koski, Julie (Joey) Lacaria, Christopher (Patricia) Frankow and granddaughter Peyton, his mother and father-in-law Boleslaw and Agnieszka Janiec, Peter’s siblings; Krys (Eric) Bodkin, Liz (Jim) Reid, Paul (Barb) Frankow, his in-laws; Ted (Hanna) Janiec, Mike Janiec, Helen (Kyle) Tretheway, Margaret (Leroy) Nordland, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Anna and Pawel Frankow.
We are forever grateful to those who helped throughout this difficult journey, especially his two sisters, Krys and Liz who were at the hospital with him daily.
Over the course of Peter’s illness, he was always treated with compassionate care. We would like to thank Dr. Allison for the ongoing care and support over the years, Dr. Colleen Valente and all the staff of 1A at TBRHSC, Dr. Migay and Dr. Davis for their outstanding care during the end of his life, as well as all the staff involved in his care from both palliative and hospice unit, at St. Joseph’s hospital.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Our Lady Queen of Poland Church on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for friends will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at St. Mary’s Our Lady Queen of Poland Church from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Prayers will be offered at 7:00 p.m. and visitation will continue until 8:30 p.m.
If friends desire, in lieu of flowers and in honour of Peter’s love for animals, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society, Caring Hearts Cat Rescue or Northern Reach Rescue Network.
