FRANK DONALD SELKE

FRANK DONALD SELKE Born September 7, 1929 Passed away peacefully at home on March 18, 2013 at the age of 83. Predeceased by his parents Frank J and Mary Selke. Beloved husband of 59 years to Dorothy Julia "Red" Letts. Devoted and much loved father to Gary (Debby), Greg (Manie) and Lisa. Cherished grandfather of Frank (Sarah), Kathleen, Lianne, Kimberly, Stephanie, Brendan and Darcy. Predeceased by sisters Blanche Selke and Evelyn Bibeault. Survived by brother Chilton and sisters Sister M. Enid (Audrey), Delphine, Geraldine and many nieces and nephews. He attended St. Michael's College School in Toronto leaving in 1946 for Montreal where his father had recently become the Managing Director of the Montreal Canadiens. Frank spent the next 21 years with the Canadiens and its parent company, the Canadian Arena Company, in increasingly senior positions ultimately overseeing all of the non-hockey operations. The 1950's were arguably the glory years of Les Canadiens and Frank was fortunate to be closely involved with some of the best hockey teams ever to play the game. They won 6 Stanley Cups during the 50's including a record 5 in a row of which Frank was enormously proud. He made many lifelong friendships with players and associates that have extended across the decades. He greatly valued each of those relationships. The opportunity of working so closely in the hockey business with his highly respected father was an experience he cherished forever. Concurrently he became involved with broadcast media, initially as a play by play analyst with Hockey Night in Canada, and eventually serving as the intermission host on Montreal telecasts from 1958-1967, an exciting and pioneering time in sports broadcasting. He met the "love of his life" in the early 50's, "Red" Letts, through golf, a joint love for both and an activity that spawned many rewarding friendships over the years, firstly at the Country Club of Montreal, then at Chinguacousy CC in Caledon and Lambton G & CC in Toronto. NHL expansion took them to Oakland, California in 1967-1971 where he was initially President and latterly the General Manager of the Oakland Seals. This was a challenge but the family's experience in California was still very enjoyable and they made many friends in the Bay area. Upon his return to Toronto in 1971 Frank rejoined the Hockey Night in Canada team, serving as Executive Vice President for the next 20 years. Frank's generous nature led him to volunteer on behalf of Special Olympics Ontario from 1981 onwards after being introduced to the movement in 1969. Upon retirement from Hockey Night in Canada in 1992 Frank threw himself into the workings of Special Olympics on a full time basis. Using his extensive connections in the sport and broadcasting world Frank, along with many other volunteers, was able to assist Special Olympics achieve a unique place in Canadian society and helped enhance the lives of Special Olympians and their families. Frank was named the honorary coach for the Canadian Special Olympics Team in Dublin for the 2003 World Games - an honor he valued greatly. His volunteer and fundraising efforts were recognized often and in many ways. He was the first Honouree of the Ontario Special Olympics Hall of Fame, and also earned the Canadian Volunteer of the year award in 1991. He was most proud of the Harry "Red" Foster Award and the recent awarding of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. From 1991 to 2006 Frank also served on the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee which he considered a tremendous honour. The Selke family would like to extend a special thank you to Frank's long term caregivers Dr. William A. Dymon, Dr. Anthony Fanelli of Princess Margaret Hospital, Dr. David Swartz and Dr. N. Naeem and all of the other caregivers and staff from Humber River Regional Hospital and Toronto EMS and Spectrum Health Care that assisted Frank on his final journey. A very special thank you to Ruth Hughes who was a wonderful support to both Frank and Red. A Celebration of his Life will occur on April 4 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Lambton Golf & Country Club, 100 Scarlett Road, where he and Red spent many happy days with their friends and family. In Frank's memory, the family requests that you please consider a donation in Frank's name to Special Olympics Canada or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made through www.turnerporter.ca "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." - Special Olympics Motto