Frank Polich

Mr. Frank Polich, age 81 years, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer on Friday, May 16th, 2014.Frank was born in Port Arthur on March 25, 1933 to John and Zlata Polich. On June 18, 1955 he married the love of his life - his lifelong partner Evelyn(nee: Maronik) and together they raised three beautiful children Karen, Cathy and Jim.Frank's greatest love was his family, especially his children, grandchildren and "grand-dogs". Frank would do anything for anyone. He never said "no". He was always there giving a helping hand whether it was at the family camp at West Floral Beach or to whoever needed it, he was there leading the way. As a young man, Frank played hockey for the West End Bruins. He was musically inclined as he played the cello, which toured the south-end halls. His best friend was his brother-in-law Rudy Maronik, Evelyn's brother. Frank started his working career at a very young age. His Dad died when he was eight years old and it was then that he started to help support his mother and sister. Frank took up the trade as a Sheet Metal Worker where his first job was working for Delcraft Metal Industries installing furnaces and sheet metal work. After many years of working in the trade, Frank decided to change careers and take a job with the Ontario Government - Ministry of Government Services as a Construction Inspector for almost 24 years up until his retirement. Frank took his job very serious. He only wanted the best job possible done. Some of the workers probably didn't like working for him because he never let those "little things go" and he would make you do it "over again" if the job was not done right. Frank was well respected by his fellow workers and tradesmen in his field.Frank was a "Jack of all Trades". There was nothing that he could not fix or do. In fact one of his greatest accomplishments was when he helped his son Jim build Jim's house in 1990. Even this past summer, he would try and give a helping hand to Jim with the building of his camp at Shebandowan. If you needed advice on anything Frank was who you went to. He was a wealth of knowledge. Frank and Evelyn took many vacations throughout the years with their children and with Evelyn's sisters and their spouses. Frank loved to watch his kids and grandchildren play sports, whether it was at the rink or out on the field, or attend a dance or musical performance. Frank enjoyed 21 years of retirement, sharing morning tea with friends at McDonald's. It was a great way to start the day. Frank was an exceptional man. His incredible work ethic and toughness made him a role model for many of us. He was opinionated about politics. His sense of humor, compassion, kindness and love will forever live on in his children and grandchildren.He was a member of the Sheet Metal Union Local 397; a member of OPSEU Local 717 and a lifetime member of the Croatian Home Society. Frank will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Evelyn of 58 years, children Karen Bencharski Saarimaki (Tom), Cathy Jones (Tim) and Jim (Angie), grandchildren Jennifer and Christopher Bencharski, Ryan (Charmaine) and Vanessa Jones, Mitchell Polich and his sister Mary Koharchuk. He will be sadly missed by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Olga and Tony Yozipovic, Nikki and Rudy Maronik and Anne Zadro, along with numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Frank was predeceased by his father John and mother Zlata, his stepfather Joseph Blazina, father-in-law and mother-in-law Peter and Veronica (Vera) Maronik, his son-in-law Eddie Bencharski and brothers-in-law Mike Koharchuk and George Zadro.According to Frank's wishes cremation has taken place. The Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 24th, 2014, in St. Margaret's R.C. Church, 88 Clayte Street, celebrated by Rev. Ciaran Donnelly. All services will be complete in the church. Visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday, May 23rd, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at St. Margaret's Church. A private family inurnment will follow after the funeral mass at Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph's Hospital-Hospice Unit.God saw you getting tiredA cure was not yet to be,So He wrapped His arms around youAnd whispered "Come to Me".On-Line Condolences may be offered atwww.harbourviewfuneral.ca"