Robert Frank Aikins

On June 9 we lost a husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. Frank died in his 88th year in Oliver BC after several weeks in Penticton hospital.

Frank was born May 21, 1935 in Cranbrook to Robert and Winnifred, living his early years on Cameron Pond near Wasa Lake. His parents owned and operated the first general store and garage on the road heading up to Rock Lake. In 1941 the family moved to Kimberley where his father opened a hardware store in Blarchmont – sadly his Dad suffered a stroke and passed at an early age. At 17 Frank took on the family business and built it up into Blarchmont Hardware and Building Supply – a successful business, it was sold in 1979. After the hardware store Dad worked in real estate, for the provincial gaming authority in northern BC and as an investment advisor.

In 1959 he married Caroline Whitehead – from a few blocks down the street on Archibald! He thought the world of her parents George and Mary. Frank and Caroline raised two sons – Brent and Derek. The family enjoyed all the great Kimberley/Kootenay area activities – especially skiing, just minutes to the hill.

Up for a challenge he blasted and moved bedrock to build a house in Chapman Camp – a great family home complete with a forest to build tree forts in the backyard! Frank’s roots at Wasa led to a summer place on the west side of the lake. Great memories getting ice cream driving to the lake across from Dad’s childhood school in TaTa Creek, fishing, summer BBQs, water skiing with Bill Spence… In the late 70’s the summer home became the old Presbyterian Church camp on the east shore of the lake – upgrades to ‘Mousehaven’, nights around the fire, letting us drive underage, bocce…more precious Wasa memories. Trips to the coast to visit his sister Joan in Vancouver and the Simpson’s in Victoria were always a highlight with many great memories.

Dad had a keen interest in Kimberley and the Kootenays – active in the community and making connections through the Chamber, Kinsmen and Jaycees. Friendships were important to Dad – he was social and engaged with people. He was instrumental in the vision and construction of the Happy Hans Campground in its original location on the ski hill road – now Dreamcatcher. He often recalled sailing Moyie in his younger days with Johnny Jones and Dale Jarrett – so Jimmy Buffett was always a favorite. He was an active member of Kootenay Harmony barbershop for several years in Cranbrook and would break out in song when the mood hit.

Some of his fondest memories were on ski hill – with family and friends on weekends, riding the T bar below the knees with the boys. And escaping for a few runs on Monday afternoons with the business guys and a beer in the den. Even a 70’s ski kite ride!

Some years later, in true Italian style, Joe Amatruda struck up a conversation with Marlene and Darlene at the Cranbrook Golf Course one afternoon – Marlene Harmata and Dad were married soon after in September of ’98 at Top of the World Guest Ranch. Dad and Marlene had 34 wonderful years together – starting in Cranbrook then making the move to Penticton in 2000, developing a close friend group within their church and art community through Marlene’s painting. The Friday golf and dinner outings with friends were always a highlight along with family visiting and enjoying incredible Penticton summers.

Frank is lovingly remembered by his wife Marlene; sons Brent and Derek (Chris) and grandchildren Kendall, Trennon and Heather, first wife Caroline; sister Joan; sister Carole (Keith) Simpson Janice and Deanna; stepdaughter Kelly (Pat), Kristin, Samantha and Summer; stepson Kevin and stepdaughter Wendy (Roger), Zoe, Audrey and Aaron.

Dad suffered two strokes in later years – managing well until the last few months which he spent in Penticton hospital. He handled his health issues with incredible graciousness, courage and humility. Thank you to the staff at Penticton hospital, Providence Funeral Home, and Dr Richard Tatham for years of attentive care.
A funeral service was held in Penticton on June 20 at the church he held close.

“Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more”

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