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Frank Skuhala
August 7, 1934 - February 20, 2016
Tribute
Survived by his devoted family, wife Norah, daughter Michelle (granddaughter Maiya), and son
Wayne.
Born in Prsetinci, Slovenia, he served as a fighter pilot in the Yugoslavian airforce for 5 years
before heading to Canada, arriving via ship to Montreal in 1956. Moving his way west by train
to British Columbia, Frank started work with the CPR railway on an “extragang”. As his English
improved he worked as a taxi driver and chauffeur. When confident with his English, he wrote
the exams required at UBC and became a Journeyman in Industrial Electronics and Electrician
at IT&T in Vancouver. This is the field in which he was trained during his years in the airforce.
Frank’s free time during these early years in Vancouver were spent enjoying nature by spending
time in Stanley Park and the surrounding mountains. As an avid skier he became a ski
instructor first at Mt. Seymour then at Mt. Baker.
After vacationing in Osoyoos in the summer of 1969, Frank seized upon an opportunity to buy
Lakeside Resort and move his young family from Vancouver to Oliver. Owning and operating
the resort with his family for 22 years he grew it from a small vacation spot to a lush family
oasis. Frank always said how much the Okanagan reminded him of Slovenia.
While in Oliver, Frank became involved with the Chamber of Commerce eventually serving as
their President for one year. During his time with the Rotary Club, Frank journeyed 3 times to
Honduras with a group of Rotarians to teach local farmers terracing techniques. On one trip, he
was happy to be accompanied by his wife Norah. As a result of his Rotarian work he was
awarded the honour of being named a Paul Harris Fellow.
Faithful in his Catholic upbringing, Frank volunteered in many areas within his parish Christ the
King. He even went on to become a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.
Frank enjoyed curling, golfing, gardening and especially the outdoors. His horticulture training
brought him a particular affinity and appreciation for trees; pruning, shaping new varieties. For
those who had the good fortune to taste one or more of his many specialties – not the least of
which were his several varieties of homemade sausages and wines – also knew what a wonderful cook he was, although not so great a dish washer.
Prayers will be recited at 7:30 P.M. Tuesday February 23, 2016 at Christ the King Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be celebrated by Fr. Neil Lustado at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday February 24, 2016 at Christ the King Catholic Church. A reception in the church lower hall will follow the mass.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osooyoos.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Norm &Shirley Houle
Relation: Friends
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. xo
From: Lou & Al Carson
Relation: Friend
Norah & family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish you peace in your journey of loss, with loving memories to comfort you.
From: John & Sharon Surovy
Relation: friend
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From: Silvia Badger
Relation: Friend
My thoughts and heart are with you, Norah and family. Frank sure knew how to make the BEST potato salad EVER!!!!
From: Paul and Barbara Eby
Relation: Friend
Nora and family, we were so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. When we first moved to Oliver many years ago, Frank and Nora were one of the first to welcome us. Frank genuinely loved people, and we loved him back.
From: Elaina Mauro
Relation: Family Friend
Norah and Family,
I am very saddened by the news of Frank’s passing. I will always remember him with a smile on his face and his easy laugh. My earliest memories are of him trying to keep me and my teenage friends in line at Lakeside when I was a kid – we didn’t make it easy for him but he was always good-natured. I’d like to think that he and my Dad are now relaxing by the lake, having a glass of wine and a few laughs.
All my best wishes,
Elaina Mauro
From: Lynn and John Bremmer
Relation: rotary and friendship
Hi Norah and Family
We have many happy memories of Frank. We always enjoyed making sausage and potato salad for the many events Frank so enjoyed.. What a wonderful comical fellow and always full of knowledge and offers to help. Our heart felt condolence on this sad occasion. We wish you peace and love for the future.
From: Keith and Pat Johnson (Mauro)
Relation: Family friends
Norah and Family. Me and Pat send our deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Keith and Pat.
From: Nick and Linda Poznikoff
Relation: friend
Nora and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He will be missed so much. He always had a smile for everyone and an opinion on everything! He treated everyone well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
February 24, 2016
Beginning at 10:00am
Location:
Christ the King Catholic Church
6044 Spartan Street
Oliver, BC Canada
A funeral mass will be celebrated by Fr. Neil Lustado at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday February 24, 2016 at Christ the King Catholic Church. A reception in the church lower hall will follow the mass.
6044 Spartan Street
Oliver, BC Canada
Prayers
Date & Time:
February 23, 2016
Beginning at 7:30pm
Location:
Christ the King Catholic Church
6044 Spartan Street
OLIVER, BC Canada
Prayers will be recited at 7:30 P.M. Tuesday February 23, 2016 at Christ the King Catholic Church.
6044 Spartan Street
OLIVER, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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