FRANK A. BRANSCOMBE

FRANK A. BRANSCOMBE With much sadness, his family announces Frank's passing in his 86th year, on Monday February 24, 2003, at the Greater Niagara General Hospital. Beloved husband and best friend of Mildred for 63 years; Cherished father of Larry and his daughters Jodi Werner (Steve) and Robin; the late Paul, his wife Ann- Louise and their children Andrew, Adam, Katy and the late Karin; Linda, her husband Glenn Meyers and their children Elaine Biggar (Colin) and Ian; and Stewart, his friend Dawn MacKenzie and his chil- dren Sherri Lavalle (Larry) and Kevin. Frank is also survived by his sister Winnifred Branscombe, his mother-in-law Eva Hoffman, and his sisters-in-law Mae Rose and Ethel Smith. He is special great grandpa to Michael, Spencer, Dalton, Marissa, Jake and Max. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends, many of whom are fellow members of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, his club for over 43 years. Frank founded his land devel- opment company, River Realty Development Ltd., 53 years ago, and developed residential subdivisions in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, Fonthill and Whitby. As well he developed many commercial properties including the Town and Country Plaza, Niagara Falls, and Midtown Plaza, St. Catharines. In 1977 Frank and Mildred established the Branscombe Family Foundation that has focused on areas of educa- tion, health, and advancement of children's causes. Many agencies and institutions, most of them in the Niagara Region, have been benefici- aries. For his many years of philan- thropy, Frank received numerous honours, among them was an hon- orary doctorate from Brock University in 1995 granted for 'his distinguished humanitarian service to the Niagara Peninsula and beyond.' In 1999, with support from Regional Chair Debbie Zimmerman, he was instrumental in the establish- ment of the Niagara Community Foundation. More recently, together with Mr. Jim Glynn, he spearheaded the Bi-National Initiative between Niagara College and Niagara University to provide joint education courses for students on both sides of the border. A tireless worker for and believer in the aims and objectives of Rotary International, his personal and Family Foundation donations, matched with Rotary grants, have helped thousands of people in third world countries. Already a Paul Harris Fellow, the contributions of Frank and Mildred to furthering Rotary's work were recognized by his club in 1999, and Rotary International has placed their portrait in its Hall of Honour. The Branscombe family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the special doctors and health care providers for their compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Robert Ainslie, Dr. Ian Brown, and Dr. Kevin Foster. Also to Debbie of Para Med, Elda and the staff on Unit C at G.N.G.H., Cindy and staff of Trilliam Place, Lisa, and with particular thanks to Cathy Allan of Palliative Care, truly an angel among us. Frank will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and his community. Mr. Branscombe is at the MORSE & SON CHAPEL of the MORGAN FUNERAL HOMES, 5917 Main Street, Niagara Falls, where his fam- ily will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. Service to celebrate his life will be held at his home church, Stamford United Church, 3855 St. Peter Street (at St. John Street), Niagara Falls, on Thursday morning at 11 o'clock. Interment Pleasantview Memorial Gardens. As an expres- sion of sympathy, those who wish may make a memorial donation to either the Niagara Community Foundation, the Rotary International Foundation or to the Niagara Falls Rotary Club Foundation. Online guest register at www.morganfuneral.com