Richard "Frank" Upward

Peacefully with family by his side, Richard Frank Upward passed away on Monday, April 2nd, 2018 at the age of 95 years, after a long battle with cancer.

He joins his beloved wife of 59 years Edna; father Pop; mother Ruth; sister Pearl; and son Gerry. Frank will be lovingly remembered by his son Ed (Lorrie); cherished partner Florence; brother Harry; daughter-in-law Marti; grandchildren Brant (Brennon), Corbin (Kerynda), Darren (Julie), Mark (Jenilee), Lisa, Ande, Scott; and his two great-granddaughters Emily and Zoey.

Frank was born on July 14th, 1922 in the Currie district near Rossendale, Manitoba. He worked as a farm laborer until he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1941. Frank served overseas during World War 11 and was able to help support his family financially back home. At the end of the war he returned home and met Edna Tucker whom he married on May 4, 1948. They settled in Portage la Prairie and began a family together. Frank worked hard delivering gravel in and around Portage. This contributed to a strong heart and active lifestyle for Frank. In addition he delivered rural mail and is still remembered today by many customers on his route for his punctuality and friendliness. Frank enjoyed many activities including visiting friends and family whom he adored, going bowling, playing pool, baseball, cards, crib, watching sports (hockey- Maple Leafs/ baseball- Blue Jays), gardening (most proud of his annual tomatoes), and playing guitar while singing and yodeling. Frank will be missed by many. He was always upbeat, liked to smile and would share a kind word with anyone.

“A life lived for family is a life worthwhile.”

Rest now Frank, and be at peace.

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,

You make me happy when skies are gray,

You’ll never know dear how much I love you,

So please don’t take my sunshine away.”

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 1:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, led by Rev. Julie Baker.  Private family interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens with a Legion Service.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com