FITZPATRICK: Francis John Joseph "Frank" Fitzpatrick. It is with great sadness that the family of Frank Fitzpatrick announce his passing at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Sunday, January 30, 2005. Frank was born in Margaret, Manitoba, the eldest son of Jack and Mary Fitzpatrick. He grew up in a farming community with his two brothers and four sisters. Frank moved to Brandon in 1953, and was employed as a Brandon City Police Officer. In 1958, Frank switched to the Brandon City Fire Department where he was employed as a firefighter until his retirement in 1975. Frank then went into partnership in a new business, Gene's Upholstery Ltd. He then took over full ownership of the business with his wife, Janet, in 1977. After operating a successful business for 20 years they sold "the shop". Their commitment and dedication to the business carried on for many years after with them stopping by to supply the staff with coffee and donuts. Frank first set his eyes on the love of his life, Janet, in 1956 at a popular coffee shop, Barney's Drive Inn. About one year later they were married in a "Double Wedding Ceremony" in Ituna, Saskatchewan. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Christine, Sharon and Brenda. Throughout his life, Frank enjoyed many hours at their cottage at Oak Lake Beach. He was always busy at the lake, either drilling wells, trimming trees or being an active participant with the Oak Lake Cottage Association. Frank always had coffee on and had every type of tool a handyman could borrow. Frank was a lifetime member of the Progressive Conservative Party and was instrumental in campaign support. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus thru St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church. The family attended Mass at St. Augustine's regularly. Frank's list of accomplishments were many, he was a driven man, armed with goals and agenda's. He was a unique and generous individual, very gentle and caring, especially of his wife, children and grandchildren. Frank was quick witted and always had a comment or word of support and a strong influence with others. He could always be counted on, for his generosity of spirit knew no bounds and his spirit touched many generations and even those to come. Frank's memory will forever be cherished by his devoted wife of 47 years, Janet; daughters, Christine (Dallas) Skayman of Hamiota, Sharon (Vern) Lecocq of Kelowna, BC, Brenda Brooks of Calgary, AB. He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Jason, Chrystal, Mryanda and Steven Sopel; Blake, Derrick and Darren Lecocq; step-grandsons, Kyle, Blair and Eric Skayman; brother, Gene ("Tootie"); sisters Theresa Baysa and Sheila McGuire, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Mary Fitzpatrick; brother, Gerald and sisters, Blanche and Marion. Prayers will be said at Memories Chapel, 330 - 18th Street North, on Thursday, February 3, 2005 at 7:00 pm. The Ceremony of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, 327 - 4th Street, on Friday, February 4, 2005 at 10:00 am. Celebrant will be Father Leo Fernandes. We wish to thank our families and friends for their concern, support and messages of sympathy. Our sincerest gratitude to Dr. S. Engelbrecht and the doctors and nurses on the 2nd floor of Palliative Care at the Assiniboine Centre, and Home Care Nurses, neighbours and friends in Monterey Estates. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Frank to the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit - Home Care, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2B3. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

God looked around His garden,
And found an empty space;
He then looked down upon this earth
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you,
And lifted you to rest;
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the very best.
He knew that you were in pain,
He knew that you might never
Get well upon this earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, "Peace be Thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you never went alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.Memorials
Bdn Regional Health Centre - Pal. Care