Frank Saskowski

Frank Saskowski was born in Cowan, Manitoba, Saturday, October 31, 1931 to Peter and Nellie Saskowski.

Frank grew up along the ‘Bay Line’, with other railroad families. They lived off the land and Frank became an avid hunter and fisherman.  In his early years, Frank went to school in Wabowden, and also took several classes via correspondence.  Frank later attended school in Teulon before graduating from St. Paul’s College in Winnipeg.  He then began work with the CN Railway.

Frank met Ida at a July 1 picnic in Pikwitonei and they were married June 27, 1953 in Winnipeg.  Frank worked for CN Telegraphs and in their early years of marriage, they moved around from Winnipeg to Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay ON) to Wabowden, and finally settled in The Pas.  Frank managed the Winnipeg Tribune deliveries for The Pas and area in the mid-70’s, until the paper folded 1980.  He hired many local kids as paperboys/papergirls.  Frank retired from CN in November 1986 and shortly thereafter, became the part-time manager of the Valhalla Co-op senior’s apartment block for roughly 16 years.

Frank and Ida enjoyed camping and spent many summers camping at Pioneer Bay, before purchasing their own cabin at Clearwater Lake.  Frank was an avid fisherman and told many tales of fishing on our beautiful northern lakes.  He caught a huge jackfish on Moreton Lake in 1986 and had it stuffed.  It still hangs at the cabin at Clearwater Lake.  Frank enjoyed hunting and had many moose hunting trips up/down the Saskatchewan River, as well up north in Wabowden and Leaf Rapids areas.

Frank had a love of music and played guitar in the Polka Partners band from the 50’s and into the 90’s. They travelled in northern Manitoba playing at weddings, anniversaries and other occasions; as well played at the annual Ukrainian New Year’s social at the Norlite Hall for many years.  Frank also played guitar at the Catholic Church, on floats during numerous parades, as well as at St. Paul’s Personal Care Home.  He also played violin, accordion, piano and spent many hours picking at his mandolin.

Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 1967-1970. He was Warden of the Charlebois Council 2704 for a great number of years; as well was in charge of the ICCD tickets.

Frank enjoyed playing cards and was a member of a bridge club for several decades. Frank and Ida hosted many annual bridge windups at their cabin, where more cards were played, along with horseshoes.  Frank was always up for a game of crib as well and enjoyed playing crib at the Legion on Saturday afternoons.

Frank’s health declined in 2014 where he suffered from a heart condition, as well as dementia.  The family would like to thank the staff from the Supportive Housing Unit at the Northern View Lodge, as well as the staff from St. Paul’s Personal Care Home.  Frank passed away in the early hours of December 23, 2019 at St. Paul’s at the age of 88 years.

Frank is survived by his wife of 66 years Ida, and their four children, sons Lorne Saskowski (Jessica), Lyle Saskowski (Laurel), Brent Saskowski (Cory), and daughter Janis Fjermestad (Michael); nine grandchildren Leslie Saskowski (Alesha), Jamie Saskowski, Chris Saskowski (Stevie), Heather Behrendt (Joel), Crystal Heath (Bryan), Dakota Saskowski, Cheyenne Hogan, Brent Jr. Saskowski (Aleasha) and Emily Fjermestad; fourteen great grandchildren, Myla, Ryland, Alanna, Kyla, Tyson, Torin, Quinlan, Elijah, Lydell, Legacy, Mason, Liam, Aaliyah, and Tayvia.

Frank will also be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins as well as his aunty Mary Piwtorak of Toronto, Ontario.

Frank was predeceased by his parents Peter and Nellie Saskowski, in-laws Frank and Helen Pidskalny, brother Alvin Saskowski, brother-in-law Orest Pidskalny, and granddaughter Ina Saskowski.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated by Frank’s family.

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