It is with profound, devastating sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Frank Charles King, after a tragic fall.
Frank was born in Nelson on June 13, 1942, to Charles and Irene King. He grew up in Nelson, Trail, and Castlegar and graduated from SHSS. He loved his after-school jobs, working at the Auto View Drive-In, Hope's Bakery, Shop Easy, Super Valu, and delivering newspapers.
After graduating, he went to work at Celgar, where he did various jobs, including testing, writing training manuals, serving on the Union Executive, and helping to research and bring in the 12-hour shifts. For over 30 years he was a digester operator and a mentor to many.
Frank loved adventures, playing golf and hockey, boating, swimming, scuba diving, motor biking, travelling, singing, attending concerts, and playing the trumpet. He cherished time with his beloved family and was incredibly proud of them, constantly celebrating each of their wonderful achievements.
He travelled extensively, visiting China, Japan, Europe, Mexico, Australia, Bahamas, many Canadian provinces and American states. His favourite destinations were Hawaii, Las Vegas, and the Disney Theme Parks.
He served for over 30 years as the President of the Castlegar Gentlemen's Hockey League and for many years as the President of the Trail Maple Leaf Band, one of Canada's longest-serving community bands, and he gave a very memorable speech at the Band's 100th Anniversary Celebration.
He was also a member of the fun-loving Trail Smoke Eater Underwear Band, performing often after the Smokies won the World Championship. He was part of the Trail Militia Brass Band and played in Spokane for the March of Dimes Show, which was very well received, getting an encore request.
He enjoyed singing in the Golden Oldies Choir, and he even once sang a duet in a Las Vegas stage show with celebrity, Sharon Haines. Frank also volunteered for many years for the local Citizens on Patrol.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marlane; daughters Janice King and Linda (Mike) Harwood; granddaughters, Delaney, Paige, and Breanna Harwood; brother Bob (Verna) King; sisters-in-law, Aileen (Tom) McLean and Lois
Scott; his nieces, Lisa Scott, Lacey Scott (Owen Campbell), Christy (Jeremiah), Lisa Shepherd (Rick), and nephews, Graham (Lisa) McLean, and Garth (Mary) King and great nieces Lillian, Mary, Amy, Jody, Mandie, Kayla and their families; great nephews, Kurt and Seamus Campbell; and godsons, Tristan and Aiden Moore.
The family thanks the attending medical teams in Castlegar, Trail, and Kelowna, and those who gave such lovely tributes, cards, flowers, food, prayers, messages, visits, hugs, help, and calls.
Special thanks also to his long-time buddies, Bob Bertuzzi and Bob Montgomery. Special thanks also to Nadine Livingston and Katherine Lee. There will be no funeral as per his request, but a donation to your charity of choice or to the Trail Maple Leaf Band would be appreciated.
Frank King leaves this world a better place, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of many. He will be deeply and lovingly missed.