Frank Lloyd Dietrich— 1943 - 2007

   Frank Lloyd Dietrich, born Aug. 23, 1943 in Yorkton, Sask., passed away on Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, in Fort Macleod after a lengthy illness.
   Frank is survived by his loving wife Catherine; his children Debra, Lloyd (Christinna), Darryl, Earl (Kara) and Suzanne (Mike); son-in-law Lance Nealon; grandchildren Danielle, Alex, Jake, Gracie, Dayleighn, Ashley and Leah; great grandson Kelen; his siblings Harvey (Elsie), Doreen Rathgaber, Hal (Lorraine), Alban (Morag), Walter (Maxine), Arnold (Marilyn) and Esther (Gary) Davis; mother-in-law Marie Pratt; sisters-in-law Joan Dietrich and Laura Baldassi; brothers-in-law Louis Forlin and John (Diane) Pratt; numerous treasured nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, life-long friends Jake and Janet Giesbrecht and many other much loved friends and relatives.
   Frank was predeceased by his parents Adolf and Hedwig Dietrich; his brother and sister-in-law Oswald and Eleanor Dietrich; brother Kleon; sister-in-law Doreen Forlin; brothers-in-law Benard Mack and Al Rathgaber; nephew Ken Gamble and great nephew Wade Storvold.
   Frank's early years were spent on the family farm near MacNutt, Sask., where he learned to work and play the accordion, and then the guitar, which later became a big part of his life.
   Employed as a hard rock miner, milkman, salesman, heavy equipment operator, switchman, welder, construction worker, motelier and general contractor, he willingly shared his skills and experiences, especially with the young people in his life. During his time in Fort Macleod he operated two motels and a construction company.
   He brought the American Legion Charter for the Fort Macleod Royals to Fort Macleod and actively supported the team through the years. From 1986 to 1992 he served on Fort Macleod town council, a period of major civic growth and development, including Main Street improvements, the tourist information booth, development of River Valley Park, the oval track at F.P. Walshe school, the Handibus service and Project Read.
   He led the restructuring of and chaired the Willow Creek Foundation and Chinook Country Tourist Association, as well as lending his musical presence to local celebrations, most particularly the Christmas tree lighting on Main Street and New Year's Eve at Macleod Pioneer Lodge.
   From Toronto to Vancouver, Flin Flon to New Orleans, he touched the lives of many people through his music and work. He loved his family and enjoyed working with his sons and Suzanne, many nephews and other young people, proud of their successes and accomplishments. Time spent with his grandchildren was always a treat for Frank and he cherished them all. Relatives and friends were invited to a prayer service at Eden's Funeral Home, Fort Macleod, on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, at 7:30 p.m.
   Funeral service was held at Christ Church Anglican, 320 21st St., Fort Macleod on Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Noel Wygiera and Rev. Mike Wellunscheg officiating.
   Interment followed in Union Cemetery.
   The family respectfully requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Frank's memory to the Fort Macleod Handibus Society, Box 881, Fort Macleod, T0L 0Z0, or to a charity of your choice.
   Eden's Funeral Home, Fort Macleod, in care of arrangements.