Frank Irwin Marple, resident of Woking, AB, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2022, in Valleyview, AB, after a brief illness at the age of 86 years.

Frank was the born in Spirit River, AB, on July 26, 1935, to Arthur and Francis (nee Foote) Marple. He had four siblings: Louise (Lawrence), Sydney, Hubert, and Florence (Pockett) and (Scott).

He was raised on a farm in Spirit River. As a teenager he met Lenora Stephen and married the love of his life on April 21, 1954. This love affair lasted 54 years, until Lenora’s passing in 2009. Together they raised seven sons: Andrew, Garnet, Allan, Kenneth, Archie, Michael, and Randy. The family lived happily on a farm west of Spirit River until they lost their home to fire.

From there they relocated to Sexsmith, AB, where the boys went to school and started to play hockey. Frank and Lenora were regulars at the rink cheering on their boys. He was always there for his boys’ tournaments, where he would often be seen making ice cream for the children. Frank had many jobs in his lifetime including heavy equipment operator couple, as well as a Greyhound bus driver. When he wasn’t working, he could be found in his workshop tinkering with his tools or out with the horse.

He had two interests in his life, one being animals, mainly horses. He also had a pet rooster that would ride his tractor with him. The other being his family. Being that he had all boys, when the grandchildren came along, he got his girls and plenty of them. Frank has 21 grandchildren, 7 boys and 14 girls. Numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

Frank leaves to mourn, his six remaining sons: Andrew (Irlene), Garnet (Heather), Allan (Cindy), Archie (Kim), Michael, and Randy (Eleanor); brother in-law Gerald (Marietta) Stephen; all his many grandchildren, great-grandchild, and great great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Frank was predeceased by both his parents Arthur and Francis; four siblings: Louise, Sydney, Hubert, and Florence; as well as his wife Lenora and son Kenneth.

There will be no service at this time, as the family has chosen to lay Frank to rest at a later date.