Frank Furkalo

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Furkalo on December 16, 2017 at the Grandview Personal Care Home. Frank was born February 10, 1923 to his parents Justyna (nee Michaluk) and Peter Furkalo. He was raised on a farm in Keld with his many brothers and sisters, and just up the road from his grandparents. Outdoor adventures abounded as did the laughter. Being out and about in nature was a childhood pastime. This exploration led him out west one autumn at age 16 to work in the fields and then out east at age 18 to work in the mines. Frank saved up and in 1941 purchased his first quarter in Grandview near Dutton Siding. He proceeded to farm in the summer and go back to Sudbury’s International Nickel Mine each winter. On October 17, 1947 before going back to Sudbury, Frank attended a wedding in Sclater where he met Katherine Reszitnyk.  This was the start of Frank and Katherine’s 70 year romance. They married on June 5th, 1948, and over the course of 21 years their love created 9 children. Frank and Katherine nurtured crop after crop and child after child; life wasn’t always easy but there was a comfortable rhythm to it all. The years flew by and the farm grew as did the family. Soon came the grandchildren and then the great-grandchildren who added so much joy to his life; their antics entertained him and he loved swapping stories. It kept him young at heart. Frank continued to farm and work the fields until he was 89. Farming was in his blood and his desire to be out in the fields never left him. He had an uncanny ability to know when a crop was ripe and ready to cut just by looking at it from the road. Always a happy man, it was not uncommon to find Frank humming, whistling, or singing as he was working around the yard. His warm, gentle nature was felt by everyone that met him; he enjoyed telling stories and sharing a laugh. Frank will always be remembered...as a respectful son, a supportive brother, a loving husband, a caring father, a thoughtful uncle, a jolly grandfather, and the greatest of great-grandfathers. 

Left to cherish fond memories are his beloved wife of 69 years Katherine (nee Reszitnyk), his children: David (Gloria), Sandra (Jim) Toews, Betty (Maurice Courcelles), Monte (Karen), James, Kathy (George Purchase), Donald (Carla), and Phyllis.

Frank’s grandchildren: Daryl, Delores (Dan) Wilson, Rhonda (Brent) Derkatch, Kimberley (Jeff Koch), Warren (Pam) Toews, Audrey (Damian) Martyniuk, Breanne, Meghan (Graeme) Crawford, Kyle (Jenna), Kelsey (Trevor) Bell, Gennifer (Erik Kristjan), Keith Purchase, Laurina (Adam Kettles), Hailley (Luke Whitmore), Tyler and Ryan Shoemaker.

Frank’s great grandchildren: Nicole, Emma, Avery, Leah, Anna, Kendra, Dashel, Faith, Steven, Zoe, Cailin, Emmitt, Harlan, Blake, and Kaleb.

His younger sister Frances Perchaluk, sister-in-laws Kay Guttman, Marion (Norm) Gilbert, Anne (Alex) Dupley, brother-in-laws Lawrence Sliworsky, and Ray Reszitnyk,

Numerous extended family and many friends.

Frank was predeceased by his parents Justyna (nee Michaluk) and Peter Furkalo
Brothers: Bill (Nellie), Peter, Tony (Polly), Mike, Fred (Kay), John, Leo (Erma), Victor (Rose), Steve (Adeline)
Sisters: Anne (Alex Koshowski), Bernice (William Somers), Emily (Peter Jarema), Nellie (Bill Gara), 
Brother-in-laws: Orest Perchaluk, Don Guttman, Alex (Walda) Reszitnyk and Edward Rennie 
Much to Frank’s sadness, he was also predeceased by his oldest child Diane and his grandson Braden Purchase.

Rest in peace 
VICHNAYA PAMYAT

Funeral Service was held for Frank on Friday, December 22, 2017 at 10:00 am from the Grandview Kinsmen Community Hall with Rev. Father Yaroslav Strukhlyak officiating. Interment followed in St. Elias Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Frank may be made to the Grandview Community Foundation, Grandview Personal Care Home (Activities Department) or to a charity of one's choice.

On behalf of the Furkalo family, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the many neighbours and friends who shared with us our grief in Frank's passing.

To those who sent cards, donations, and brought food to the house it was most appreciated.

Whether you attended his service, visited, shared fond memories or had us in your thoughts over the holiday season, we are humbly thankful.

  As difficult as it is to say goodbye to someone so cherished, the support of our community made it a bit more bearable.  Your kindness will not be forgotten.

With much love

Katherine and family

 Service Information