Francis Deegan

Words cannot describe the love we have for him. Francis (Frank, Fran, Frankster) passed away peacefully in the early dawn of Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at the age of 85. “Thank you for your huge love, unwavering support, incredible memories, tons of laughter and wit for days!” We will treasure you always.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Ruth; daughter Corie of Portage la Prairie, granddaughter Samarah and Brendan, grandson Jeremy of Winnipeg; son Michael and Allyson of Frankfort, IL, granddaughter Sydney and Ross, great grandson Walker of Spruce Grove, AB, grandson Graeme and Erin and grandson Garett and Riahna of Winnipeg; daughter Callie and Patrick, granddaughter Emerson of Vashon Island, WA; along with numerous extended family and friends.

Dad experienced heartache early in life, he was predeceased by his mother Katherine at age 11 and his father William soon after at age 14. He lost his youngest son Sean in 2008.

Dad was born in London, ON in 1937. He was raised in Forest, ON by his parents and uncle Jack and then aunt Theresa and uncle Johnny in Sarnia, ON until the age of 17. Dad joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954. He met his love Ruth while on course in Quebec. He worked as an air traffic control, she as a radar technician. They married in 1961.

Throughout his military career he was stationed in multiple places across Canada. His final posting was in Portage in 1977. He and Ruth decided to reside in Portage to raise their family. Dad loved the outdoors. We have many stories of camping trips, canoe excursions and cross country skiing with dogs. He loved golfing, being with his buddies and cycling. You often saw him in town or riding out to Southport. He rode his bike out to the cemetery weekly to visit with Sean. Most winters were spent at the rink, he loved hockey, and summers at the baseball/softball diamonds. Dad loved his church community and deeply valued his relationship with God. He valued people and relationships. Dad led with kindness – it was important to him to have a conversation whether you were at the bank, the grocery store or across the fence. His biggest roles were as husband, father and grandfather. He was our biggest supporter, coach, volunteer, cheerleader and confidante.

“Children hardly know or guess the love their fathers can’t express

With thoughts he seldom said aloud, his heart is warm, his feelings proud

They do not fully understand his wisdom and his guiding hand,

They do not know each helpful word holds love unspoken, hope unheard.

Yet as the busy years roll past, they come to understand at last, the worries and the fears he knew, the problem times he pulled them through.

They finally learned the full extent of what a father’s love has meant and realize how great it’s been to have a father just like him.”

BLT&A Forever Dad.

Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Savarimuthu officiating. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Columbarium.

As expressions of joy and support, if friends so wish, donations or giving of your time can be made to Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 121 12th St. NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 4A2 in Frank’s memory.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com