Born Francis Marion Sloan, February 2, 1949 at the Santa Cruz Hospital to Lillian Hibberd Sloan and Marion Lomax Sloan of Soquel. Frank made his transition on January 7, 2011 at Stanford Medical Center. He was surrounded with the love of his wife and lifepartner of 37 years, Suzanne Fox Sloan, his daughter Mahalia Marion Sloan and her husband Jim Roster, daughter Amanda Fox Sloan-Smith and sister Claire Sloan Silva.
Frank was raised at the family's home, 854 Olive Springs Road, where he helped his father with the Sloan's Ground Cover Nursery business. Growing up on the Soquel Creek he enjoyed camping, fishing, horseback riding and exploring the places and history of the hills. In the 1960's he was a member of the Soquel Little League team, the Athletics. As a Boy Scout he transplanted seedling redwood trees to his Grandma Jesse's home at River and Coral Streets, where the trees still stand today. He was the third generation to attend Mountain School where his granddaughter now attends making five generation there. Frank also attended Branciforte Junior High and Soquel High School. At Soquel High he was on the wrestling team and played varsity football wearing jersey #76. A proud graduate of the class of 1967, to this day the coolest class of people ever to go through Soquel High School.
In September 1970 Frank enlisted in the US Army. His first tour of duty in Viet Nam was with the infantry, the second tour as a crew chief on a medivac helicopter. In 1972 he was given an honorable discharge from the army. After that Frank, and long time friend Walter Smith, traveled to Northern Idaho where they bought a log cabin on 20 acres of wilderness. One winter there was enough to convince Frank the property was better suited for summer recreation. For years the Soquel Mountain Men and Women have enjoyed many an Idaho summer there.
Over the years Frank had worked for Santa Cruz Surf Bowl, Sunshine Tennis Courts, Mission Adobe Restoration, and finally 23 years with SCCMTD as a diesel mechanic. He earned a degree in Industrial Arts from Cabrillo College in 1982.
"He who dies with the most toys wins." Well if Frank did not win he came in a close second. Going to the Flea Market and garage sales, he was always on the lookout for "items". Many found treasures he shared with family and friends.
Frank's other claims to fame: Popularized the phrase "You loose Buckwheat". An ace mechanic he could get a pile of rust to run under its own power. A longtime fixture of the World Famous Casalegno Bench Crew. He never missed a performance, competition or life event for his children and grandchildren. Frank was the best friend you could have, always there when you needed him. Comfortable and fun to be around with a quick, cleaver, kind sense of humor. He treasured his friends, was dedicated to his family, the best husband, Dad and Papa ever!
Family that has gone before, his parents Lillian and Marion Sloan, nephew Jonathan Scott, brother-in-law Jay Campbell.
Frank is also survived by his grandchildren Lillian and Waylynd Sloan-Smith, son-in-law Jeff Smith, mother-in-law Hermine Fox, brother-in-law Jim Silva, nephews Jason Campbell, Brent Campell and their families, cousin Fred Hibberd and family, trusty dog Orca, good friends Dave Pini and Jerry Newby to name a few.
Per Frank's wishes the family requests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to Bay Federal Credit Union, Acct# 3066187, so that we may continue his quest and assist others in theirs to reform the Santa Cruz County Planning Departments. To bring all government agencies and employees to justice for crimes they have committed against us by violating our human, civil and Constitutional Rights.
A celebration of Frank Sloan's life and times will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 2:PM to 5:PM at Anna Jean Cummings Park next to Soquel High School, Old San Jose Road, Soquel.
