Obituary of Frank DeSmet

Frank was born on March 6th, 1919 in Spirit River, Alberta to parents Edouard DeSmet and Helena Verplaetze. Frank's parents Edouard and Helena moved to Spirit River in 1914 from Belgium and homesteaded near Spirit River. In 1942 the family moved to Galahad, Alberta where they farmed and Frank grew up and attended school. When Frank was in grade 6 he had to leave school and stay home to help on the farm, like so many did in those days. He joined the Army on November 17th, 1939 and served over seas for 6 years in England and Continental Europe. When Frank returned home he had various jobs such as, farmer, truck driver, equipment operator, pipeliner and gold miner. He had a great sense of humour, many friends and he was dearly loved by his family. Frank leaves to mourn, his sons Richard (Vera) of Bon Accord, AB, Edward (Sandra) of Spirit River, AB, daughter, Judy (Ronnie) DeRamus of Grangeville Idaho, USA, nine grandchildren, Brandy, Aaron, Jobina, Bobbie-Jo, Mathew, Shelly, Belinda, Luke, Ashley, Eight great-grandchildren, Shelby, Caleb, Jacob, Kol, Brooke, Rory, Noah, Ty, also numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by, his parents Edouard and Helena, 3 brothers, Rene, Wally and William, 5 sisters, Emma, Madeline, Margaret, Martha and Susie. Frank passed away on July 11th, 2007 in Spirit River, Alberta, at the age of 88 years. A funeral service was held on July 16th, at 11:00 am at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Spirit River. Fr. Louis Saldanha officiated, interment followed in the Old Mission Cemetery in Spirit River. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium