Frank DONLY

DONLY, Frank Elwin 1926 - 2018 Frank, loving husband, brother, uncle, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in the early morning of March 3, 2018. Gone to reunite with his wife Marilyn May Donly (1939-1984). It is difficult to reduce the accomplishments of one man to a few simple paragraphs in an obituary. Frank was born in Truro, Nova Scotia to a family of four girls. He is survived by his loving sister Virginia Adams. Greeting him at the gates of heaven are numerous family members including his parents Frank and Myrtle Donly; brother-in-law Frank Adams; sisters Lillian, Helen and Rose (Frank's Twin). Frank worked a variety of jobs from milkman, rancher, scuba diver, briefly on the railroad and driving trucks. He lived in various places across Canada as a young man until he reached the West Coast. November 29, 1958 in Kamloops, BC he fell in love and married his one and only sweetheart Marilyn. Mom and Dad had many interests, such as boating, scuba diving, camping and travelling. Frank will forever be lovingly remembered by his family Todd and Wanda Donly, grandsons Mathew and Joshua; Debora Donly, granddaughter Samantha who is expecting Frank's first great-grandchild and grandson Steven; Dawn Donly and her partner Brad Wilson, grandson Jordan and granddaughter Jessica. In the early years our family lived in BC and AB, but Dad's job setting up mobile homes had us relocated to Saskatchewan. In 1977 we put down roots in Bradwell. He very much enjoyed working for the Saskatoon East School Division as the maintenance man until his retirement in 1990. Frank devoted much of his time helping to build and grow this small community: volunteering to build the community centre, the playground, and was a member of the United Church and the Seniors Centre. Much comradery and lifelong friendships were made. Participating in the Canada Day celebrations and the parade brought Dad so much enjoyment even many years later after he had moved to Colonsay. The remaining two and a half years were spent in Saskatoon at the Bentley Retirement home, where they assisted him to live as independently as possible. Dad had a quiet strength and was a pillar for our family as he took on the challenge of widower and single parent. Frank will always be remembered for his gentle kindness, patience and graciousness. He had a keen sense of humour and always loved a good joke. After he retired he found enjoyment in small building projects, woodworking, model building, painting and reading. Dad loved travelling to visit family or just taking a drive to meet locals for coffee and a catch up. He belonged to seniors' groups where he lived but most enjoyed being around youthful people as he was a kindred spirit. Our family wishes to thank the nurses, doctors and caregivers at Homecare, St. Paul's Hospital and City Hospital for their kindness, patience and care. Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to Acadia McKagues Funeral Centre and a graveside service will be held in Bradwell at a later date. As per Dad's last wishes, "UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, EVERYONE ELSE HAVE A GREAT LIFE."