Gary WILLIAM Francks
“THE CAPTAIN”
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Francks on August 24th, 2016, at the age of 71 years.
Gary was born in Vancouver, BC on March 15th, 1945 and moved to his longtime home of Vernon, BC at age 4. Gary was an avid skier in his younger years, and even enjoyed some time in Europe as a ski instructor. Upon his return, he married his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Jani, and they spent the first year of marriage in Revelstoke, BC where Gary worked at Mica Creek.
Moving to Lavington, BC in 1972, Gary started his work in distribution at Consumers Glass, where he enjoyed a 24 year career. It was in Lavington that Gary and Jani put down roots, and established a home for themselves and their three children – Todd, Dean and Kim. In Lavington, Gary gave back to community as a volunteer firefighter, and his funny, friendly and easygoing demeanor solidified life-long friends during that time.
After his time at Consumers Glass, Gary and Jani moved the family to Langley, BC, where Gary took a position as Sales Manager at Van-Kam Freightways. After a bit of “homesickness”, the family moved backed to Vernon, where Gary worked for some time as a realtor and then on to a 10 year management career at Calona Vineyards, and finally back to real estate for his remaining working years. Known for his quick wit and sense of humour, you would regularly see Gary as MC for numerous work and social functions, where he would be assisted by his alter ego’s “Reverend Ferry Jalwell” or “Cam Hampton”.
Nicknamed “The Captain” by his children and their friends, Gary enjoyed traveling with Jani to destinations such as Great Britain, Hawaii, Mexico, the Maritimes and several trips to Australia.
The Captain was first and foremost a husband, father and grandfather, and he thoroughly enjoyed family and friend get-togethers, special occasions, the weekly Sunday family dinner and the annual tradition of reading “The Night Before Christmas” to family and friends. He was a big supporter of his kid’s sports and was particularly fond and proud of his grandkids and the sports they played … rarely missing a game.
Gary is survived by his wife Jani; children, Todd (Lisa), Dean (Deana) and Kim (Don); very special grandchildren, Taylor, Cooper, Kristen and Tanner; sister, Wendy (Michael); brother, Wayne (Grace); and nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Bill and Jean Francks and brother, Lorne Francks.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held for Gary on Friday, September 16th, 2016 from 4 – 7 P.M. at the Prestige Hotel, 4411-32nd Street, Vernon.
As an expression of sympathy, and to assist local children and youth in need, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Gary to the North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society,
3100-32nd Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 2L9.
Cremation arrangements have been made with
BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.
5605-27th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 8Z5 • 250-542-1187