Obituary of Frank Rogalsky

FRANK ROGALSKY - was born May 14, 1925 to Jacob & Catherine (or Katarina) Rogalsky in Russia. The family eventually immigrated to Canada and settled in Guernsey, Sask., where Frank was raised. As a young man, he moved to Saskatoon and got a job with City Transit - he was very proud to be a bus driver for 30 years, with a perfect driving safety record. Even in Dad's final years, he managed to retain his driver's license right up to the end! Frank always identified with his Mennonite roots, and loved the traditional smoked farmer's sausage - if only he could find someone who would make it with the right smoke flavour! Maybe with the "local smoke" weather warning today, he's got a batch cookin' in heaven and this time it will turn out perfect! His quiet and easy-going nature seemed to attract many friends over the years... or maybe it was his homemade stash of beer or wine! I laughed every time time Dad said his home brew "would have tasted really good - if only it had been left to age a bit longer..." Dad always had a twinkle of mischief in his blue eyes, and enjoyed a good laugh over dinner conversations; we managed to solve all the world's problems while chowing down his perfectly grilled steaks. Dad was a master BBQ chef that knew how to get the most flavour from any piece of meat. As an avid fisherman, Frank really knew how to cook fresh fish, and he shared his simple "secret" recipe with me that makes northern pike taste as good as homemade fried chicken! Whether it was the next nutrition craze or another new gadget, Dad was always trying new things and loved to talk about them. He was passionate about electronics and very meticulous about certain things. It meant a lot to Dad to spend time with his step-grandson Spencer, making trips into Saskatoon for church and school events to show his support. Dad wasn't the type to talk about his feelings much, but he showed love in tangible ways with food, gas money, and lending a helping hand to his son Karl. Dad would help friends in numerous ways with whatever they needed. Frank had a strong will to live and cheated death many times - we teased him about being a cat with nine lives! Waiting for his international friend Losanta to arrive in Canada kept him going, and thanks to a pacemaker and wonderful medicare, they were able to enjoy the last 6 months together. Frank is predeceased by his first wife Ethel and his second wife Judith; his parents and siblings: 2 half-brothers Jake & John, a brother Abe, a young sister Annie, and her namesake sister Annie who was born afterwards. Frank is survived by his remaining Sister Mary Lillesaar, and numerous extended family members; his son Karl & daughter-in-law Lisa; and his step-children Timothy and Angela and their children. Special heartfelt thanks go to Losanta for providing excellent care and companionship to Dad in his final days; to the home care workers that appeared regularly to help him maintain health at home; to friends Dick & Kathy for emergency trips and help in time of need; and to the Shellbrook Hospital staff who attended to Dad many times in the last few years. Even though Dad once claimed to be an atheist, he accompanied Judy to many church services and even to the historic Billy Graham Crusade in Saskatoon, where he prayed the sinner's prayer. Frank seemed to be fearful of death after his health was failing, so we prayed with him for salvation on Christmas Day 2007, and we believe he's experiencing peace and joy in heaven with those who have gone before him. When God created Frank, He certainly broke the mould! We'll miss you Dad - and every special little thing you did here on earth. Maybe in eternity we'll go fishing together in the River of Life and catch the biggest pike you've ever seen!! The Private Family Graveside Memorial Service took place on July 15, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the Marcelin Cemetery. Rev. David Buhler was the officiating Minister. The eulogy was read by Lisa Rogalsky, and a special poem was read by long time friend Kathy Arstall. After the closing prayer there was Graveside Tributes by all, and a come and go reception at the family home.