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Frank Gerrish Obituary
NAPLES -- Frank C Gerrish died on Saturday, Aug 10, 2013, after a long struggle with cancer. Frank has been an entrepeneur throughout his life. He was the builder of the Songo River Queen, a bread man, a pilot, barge & crane operator and winning race car driver. Frank was a great husband, Dad and Grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diana; his children, John Gerrish of China, David Gerrish of Naples, Thomas Gerrish of Windsor, Linda Kingsbury of Sacramento, Calif., Elaine Fryda of New Gloucester and Brian Kingsbury of Taunton, Mass.; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Frank's Life! Open house - held at the American Legion Post on whatever street, Thursday August 15, 2013 from 4 - 7:00 p.m. followed by an hour long Songo River Queen cruise at 7:00 p.m., (the boat leaves the dock at 7:00 p.m.)
In lieu of flowers, donations to:
The American Legion, Post #155 or The American Cancer Society
would be appreciated.
Frank C Gerrish
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Gerrish
Tom Rose Sr
August 5, 2024
I Miss all the time. He was one of the Greatest men I ever knew.
Tom Rose
August 5, 2022
Without a doubt the kindest and most knowledgeable man I ever had the pleasure to know and call a friend.
Tom Rose
August 5, 2021
Frank in my mind will forever remembered as a Great man, always a no foolishness kind of guy but also a very caring and generous man. Never too busy to lend a hand or share his extensive knowledge in all aspects. You are now and forever missed by all Frank!
CHESTER GILLIS
August 5, 2020
MEN LIKE FRANK SHOULD NEVER DIE!, HE WAS SO TALENTED AND A FIXTURE ON THE CAUSEWAY! I SPENT SOME TIME ON HIS BARGE REMOVING ROTTED PILINGS AND DRIVING IN NEW ONES. HIS PILOT SKILLS WERE SURELY TESTED A FEW TIMES WHEN OVER LOADED TAKING OFF FOR A HUNTING TRIP FROM BRANDY! THANKS FOR THE MANY MEMORIES FRANK!
Mo
August 5, 2020
Hard to believe how much time has passed and how deeply missed you are. You would have gotten a kick out of yesterday’s storm...I for one had you on my mind. Keep a good eye on us down here! Thanks
The 2007 SRQII crew party
August 15, 2013
In his glory
Mari Barrett
August 15, 2013
Nancy McMinn
August 15, 2013
Diane, Thinking of you and I am very sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Frank & my husband worked together for several years - he died of cancer too about 2 years ago. We met on several occasions as well as touring on the River Queen. Frank was so proud of you with all the work you put in welding for the Queen 2. The obituary contain a line that sound definitely like a message that Frank would toss out to his friends: "On Whatever Street". How generous to offer a trip on the Queen in celebration of his life. He would be very pleased with this gesture.
August 15, 2013
My thoughts are with all of you as I recall all the memories we have shared. It brings a smile to me as I remember Bud and Dad and the projects and pranks "Frick and Frack" would get into. I'll miss Bud!
With Love, Jackie
Tracy A. & Tony Brocato
August 14, 2013
So much love.
August 14, 2013
Diana, Uncle Bud certainly influenced my career choice. I never tired of his aviation stories and will never forget camping/hunting trips. Those stories will be remembered for years to come in our family. He will be sorely missed. Love, Jim, Marcia, Jamie & Joey
August 14, 2013
Mike and I will miss you Frank, we had some fun times and did some good work together over the years - thank you for helping us and for being a good friend. We'll take good care of "The Princess" and the Queen will live on. God Bless, Mike & Mo
Rick Paige
August 14, 2013
To Diana and family , Deepest sympathies to you all . Frank will be missed by all and remembered by many for all that he has done , helped and accomplished . We all will have fond memories of his stories , humor , and especially his hard work . I remember the days of the mail boat , Songo River Queen 1 and of course II as well as Franks numouros skills including welding my first plow frame on my old International truck over 33 years ago. Yes Frsnk we will remember all those stories around the dinner table during those many Birthday celebrations . You have helped so many and we will think of you fondley every time we pass the Queen . Until another time Captain Frank ! Our prayers are with you and yours , Rick & Sue Paige
Dot Conlogue
August 13, 2013
Di and family, I am so sorry to hear about Bud. He will surely be missed. My love to all.
Dot Conlogue
Paul & Ernie Whitman
August 13, 2013
Submitted below, failed to sign
August 13, 2013
Hi Di & Families...Sorry about Franks passing but he was so sick. Quite a man. We enjoyed his wit. Will NEBER forget some of his saying. R.I.P. Frank.
August 13, 2013
HI DIANNA,
SAD NEWS ABOUT FRANKS PASSING. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES FROM NOV. 1974 WHEN FRANK,SMOKEY PEACOCK,GEORGE BROWNELL AND I FLEW INTO HADLEYS LAKE FOR A WEEKS DEER HUNTING AT CHESTER HAWKINS DOHOONS LODGE. FRANK WAS WITH ME ON THE FINAL DAY OF THE HUNT WHEN I SHOT A BEAUTIFUL 11 POINT BUCK. IT WAS A SPECIAL TRIP AND THE TAKE OFF FROM BRANDY POND WAS SORT OF HAIRY, WE JUST CLIPPED THE PINE TREE TOPS WITH THE FLOATS. WE WERE SORELY OVERLOADED AND IT TOOK TWO ATTEMPTS TO GET AIRBORN.
QUITE A MAN FRANK.
LOVE TO YOU AND THE FAMILY.
CHET GILLIS
Kevin LaMarre
August 13, 2013
My sincerest condolences to the Gerrish family upon the passing of a fine man that Frank was. Frank was a very gifted and talented fellow who always saw a solution to any problem. Working for Frye Island in the late 1980's and 1990's, we had frequent need of Frank's services by way of his very familiar crane-barge that plied Sebago Lake, or his welding skills to repair some problem on one of the ferries. Frank always showed up ready to go and get the job done, and with a pleasant attitude, no matter how big the mess was! For many years, he was the "Go-to guy" for island repairs. I personally admired his great work ethic and talents. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy in his family, and in the many works he performed in the Lake Region area, not least the Songo River Queen...but also in the many friends he made along the way.
God Bless you, Frank!
August 12, 2013
Randall & Cynthia Burnham
August 12, 2013
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
August 12, 2013
Dianna & family,
We are thinking and praying for you from out here in North Dakota. I have fond memories of Uncle Bud.
Jeff Conlogue & family.
August 12, 2013
I and Charlie sends our deepest sympathy for the loss of a fine person that Frank was. May he rest in peace finally without any pain. I had enjoyed many great rides on the Songo Queen when we lived in Naples, especially on my birthday in July. May God surround the family in his love in their time of sorrow.
Linda Fortier and Charlie Knight
Suzette Belyea
August 12, 2013
To Bud's Family: I had the pleasure of meeting Bud when I took my grandfather, Bud's cousin, (Kelse McGary)to Naples for a visit with him. Bud was excited to have Grampie come and said we'd have a ride on the Songo River Queen. Little did we know, he had MANY family members there waiting as well as a huge sign on the front of the Queen welcoming Kelse McGary! He provided us with not only a visit, but a day full of fond memories and family bonds to relatives we hadn't had the pleasure of knowing. Bud was such a special man - caring, funny, selfless, honorable, friendly, hardworking, etc. When we met him, we felt like we had all known him for a lifetime! He will always be remembered by me and my family as a top-notch person! Bud was simply the best!!! Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
August 12, 2013
Dianna and Family,
We are thinking of you and are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Bud was quite a man and will be missed by us.
With love and prayers, Pat and Don Dyer and Judy Gilbert
August 12, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family Diana. We'll miss Uncle Bud and will cherish all the memories with him and the stories shared by him and Mom. Love, Jane and Dave Riggs
randy butler
August 12, 2013
to a fellow QB God bless & Prayers sympathy for your family & friends. you will be missed!
Tom & Sue Rose
August 12, 2013
Naples lost one of it's Greatest residents with Franks passing, but will live on through all of us and forever with the Songo River Queen our sympathy goes out to Dianna and David, Kathy, and all of the Gerrish Family. Be at peace Frank and pain free. I know we will meet again in Heaven.
Tracy Hoyt
August 11, 2013
Thank you Frank,for teaching my son,Steven,independent confidence.You showed a 16yr old how to weld & work on the Queen. Always had a smile,joke,story,laugh for us when we came to pick him up. God made you a special person & you loved to share your talents.Your now one awesome angel !!
Thomas O'connor
August 11, 2013
Frank was a genius and yet a down to earth, kind , and generous man and a good friend. He put Naples on the map.
August 11, 2013
To Dianne and David and the rest of the family our heartfelt sympathy to you. Prayers for God's love,strength and peace thru your grief. Henry and Judy Turcotte
B
August 11, 2013
You were the man Frank. Thank you.
Dennejo Gagne
August 11, 2013
You will be greatly missed frank , it was a pleasure working with you on the songo queen .
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