July 7, 1959 - January 26, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
It is with deep sadness that the family of Frank Sweet announce his passing. Frank was at home enjoying a glass of his favourite wine, laughing, and talking to Ella as she prepared dinner. Suddenly his heart, which he had shared so generously with so many people, forgot its main job to also look after him.
Frank has been reunited with his parents Barbara and Bob.
He is survived by his sisters Linda Sweet (Perry) and Trish Sweet (Bryan), nephews Stephan and Matthew, nieces Shonna and Bryana and great nieces Rayah and Rilyn, all of whom will miss their "Uncle Bud."
He will also be sorely missed by his Malaysian friends in Sarawak, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship.
Most heartbreakingly, he leaves his loving partner Ella and grandchildren Kallum, Frankie, Lily and stepson Andrew (Tori).
Frank was a classic son of Northern Ontario for most of his life, growing up in mining towns and being an avid hunter, scuba diver, skier, pilot and outdoorsman.
His love for animals led him to consider veterinary school in Guelph, but he soon realized that his true gifts were in the world of STEM and he completed his Mechanical Engineering Degree at Lakehead University in 1986. Engineering led him to move to British Columbia a few years later, where he distinguished himself professionally, while enjoying all of the adventures that BC affords.
He moved to the Greater Trail area in 1989, and has called it home ever since. While here, he became "Uncle Frank" to Ella and Isaac Meyer, and was a fixture in their young lives, and a friend as they grew up.
For years, Frank was an avowed bachelor, enjoying the single man's life, getting his pilot's license, buying an airplane, a boat, and more automobiles and motorcycles than a normal person would imagine possible. He enjoyed big trucks and fast cars.
BUT, in 2012, he wound up getting in touch with an old friend from Ontario...a beautiful young lady named Ella, whom he had known since they were both very young. After some online correspondence and visits back and forth, Ella came to live with Frank in their home in Fruitvale.
She was an instant "hit" with all of his friends and family, and the avowed bachelor became a new man.
About a year after Ella moved to BC, her daughter passed away suddenly, leaving two young children. Frank and Ella took it upon themselves to bring those children, Kallum and Frankie, to Fruitvale and to provide them with the home and love they deserved.
"Papa Frank" loved those children with all his heart and provided them with the support, care, and sometimes discipline, that they needed. Their lives have been forever changed for the better by having been taken in by their Papa.
Frank was an active participant in local organizations such as the Trail Flying Club and Heart and Soul Tae Kwon Do. As a black belt and instructor, Frank helped may young people train and achieve their personal goals. He retained his love for animals throughout his life, and in particular the many wild, stray, and "where the heck did that come from?" cats who found a home with the Sweets.
Goodbye to a fine engineer, great friend
devoted family man, and proud Papa.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Wayne Szopa of Clark's Funeral Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Frank's memory may be made to the West Kootenay BC SPCA at 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar, BC V1N 4M5 or online at www.spca.bc.ca