In Loving Memory of Frank Ironstand, born October 8, 1941 in North Battleford, SK. and returned to the loving arms of Jesus on June 8, 2015, following a courageous two year battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving wife of 51 years and his children. Survived by his loving family: his Wife of 51 years, Marlene; children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren: Doyle - Kyle, Caine & son Ryder, Bailey & daughter Aliyah, Miranda, Brendyn; +Carson - James, Jessie, Janaya, Teegan; Lauralee - Kelsie, Brittney, Kristian; Jewelene (Pete) - Shea, Sidney, CeeJay; Aurora - Brenna, Calle : Amanda (Michael) - James, Francis; Holli; brothers, Tom Ironstand and Cliff Ironstand; sister, Bertha Poor; nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his beloved son, Carson; great-grandson, Oliver; by his mother, Catherine; brothers: Vic & Butch; sister, Josephine. Vigil Of Prayer was held on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. from St. Vital Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Greg Elder presiding. Liturgy Of the Word - Margaret Kite. Eulogy - Doyle Ironstand. & Music Ministry - Dave McQuaid. Mass Of Christian Burial was held on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Vital Roman Catholic Church, Battleford, SK. with Fr. Greg Elder Celebrant. Cross Bearer - Kyle Ironstand. Eulogy - Doyle Ironstand; Liturgy of the word: 1st. Reading: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11 - Brittney St. Amant; Responsorial Psalm - The Lord's My Shepherd (Choir); 2nd. Reading: Revelation 14: 13 - Miranda Ironstand - Baxter; Gospel: Mark 4: 35-41 - Fr. Greg Elder; Prayer Of The Faithful: Grandchilden. Kelsie - Brenna - Caine - Bailey - Kristian - Shea - Sid. Liturgy Of the Eucharist - Grandchildren; Gift Bearers: James, CeeJay, Brendyn, Brenna & Calle; Communion Minister - Eugene Lepitzki; Music Ministry: Pianist: Cathy Swerid; St. Vital Parish Choir. Legion Rite and Honour Guard - Branch 9, Royal Canadian Legion, Battleford, SK. Honourary Pallbearers were: Fr. Greg Elder, Howard Weitzel, Margaret Kite, Robert MacKay; North Battleford Horseshoe Club; All Who Touched Frank's Life. Urn Bearer - Robert MacKay. Eulogy by Doyle Ironstand: Frank Ironstand was born October 8th, 1941 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Dad had a rather large family- 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Interestingly enough, he and our mother decided to stay consistent with that number and brought 7 kids of their own into the world. His childhood was difficult to say the least. The family was very poor, living in old army barracks moved to Conroy Hill- just north of the old Battlefords Bridges that crossed the North Saskatchewan River, this was Dad's home. There were stories about his childhood there- no electricity, plumbing or heat, doing homework by oil lamp light, how the wind howled through the uninsulated walls and how Dad and his younger brothers shared one bed, laying there at night counting the stars through holes in the roof in the dead of winter. As difficult as this life was for him and his family, he also shared fond memories from those days- he and his little brothers exploring the islands of the North Saskatchewan River, his trap line snaring rabbits, crossing the river on ice-flows during the spring river break up and an interesting story about how Dad loved Chokecherries, one time eating stones and all, thus causing a plumbing blockage of his own that required a visit to the hospital after several days of constipation! This was also a time where Dad's love for music would be born. He told us about the times he spent listening to music on an old tube radio powered by a car battery. His oldest brother Tom had a guitar that hung on the wall, and when Tom was gone, Dad would carefully take the guitar down off the wall and teach himself to play. He told me many stories about how his love for music would take him away from the harsh reality he lived every day. He wasn't poor or an outsider from the wrong side of the tracks with music- he was just like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, The Carter Family, Elvis Presley, showcasing his talent on the guitar and his smooth soul-full voice. Dad continued to sing and perform well into his later years, taking his karaoke rig to local gatherings at the Legion, or family and community celebrations. He loved Music as much as all those who heard his sweet voice sing. He also told me, it was a great way to get girls! As a young man in the 50's and 60's, he discovered while most young guys were drinking and fighting at parties, the ladies preferred to gather around a handsome young guitar player, more interested in singing a beautiful melody than busting a few heads! Make no mistake though, if it came down to rough and tumble, Frank was never afraid to show he could mix it up too. His reputation amongst friends and family from 'back in the day' was legendary. "Nobody tougher", "You don't mess around with Frankie", "No one could take your Dad" were just a couple of quotes I remember from those people. Like a modern day samurai, or a medieval knight transplanted to the 1900's, his moral code would guide him to fight with focus, and conviction- the same way he battled cancer for the last two years. The only way to beat him was to kill him. And God forbid, you questioned or insulted the reputation of a lady, especially the love of his life!! Even in his later years, 60's, nearly 70- If you said or did something to disrespect our mother, his wife, Dad was on his feet and someone was getting an unpleasant surprise! Frank Ironstand and Marlene Seabrook were married on May 2nd, 1964. The story Dad told was how he fell in love with Marlene and went to her parents to ask for their permission. Apparently they were not all that thrilled about this wrong side of the tracks, just out of jail, brash young buck asking for their daughter's hand. When her parents told him they would not give their blessing, Dad apparently informed Mr. and Mrs. Seabrook how much he loved their daughter and if they were not going to extend their blessing, well, he and his love would run away and live in sin!! Fortunately, mom's folks would relent and they married. Frank and Marlene made their home in North Battleford, started a family and later on, built their new home on a beautiful acreage west of Battleford. Frank and Marlene would raise 7 kids on that small farm-Doyle, Carson, Lauralee, Jewelene, Aurora, Amanda and Holli. The acreage was an incredible place to raise their family- pets, livestock, wildlife, wide open spaces and fresh air. The beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley was their back yard. Holli shared a story about how Dad sat in a chair on the deck one evening, wrapped in a blanket, scanning the beauty of the place they called home. Dad had just been diagnosed shortly before, so I imagine he was as close to God at that moment as we are all right now. He sat for the longest time, quietly admiring this perfect place. Frank had a strong work ethic. At an early age, he looked for any type of work to help support his family. Dad took jobs picking rocks for farmers, working the sugar beet fields of Southern Alberta, pedalling his bike around the Battlefords delivering writs for a local lawyer, was a "carny" and even joined the Canadian Militia as a teenager. He loved to build things so, he studied construction at Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon and became a carpenter. Dad worked many years for Maher Agency- a construction company in the city. As a company foreman, Dad and his crew would pour concrete basements, grade beams, pads, sidewalks- you name it, all spring, summer and fall, and frame houses in the winter. In the early 80's, Dad would strike out on his own and start his own company, specializing in concrete work. Aurora Footings and Foundations would leave a mark in nearly everywhere in the city. You can drive around almost anywhere in this city, and find something there that Frank built. There was one way, and one way only to build something- the right way! Perfection was one of the keys to Dad's success as a contractor. Not one of his customers was ever dissatisfied. Dad was an honest business man and staked his reputation on the work that was done and his handshake on a business deal was a rock-solid contract. When the 90's saw a significant drop in building, and it became harder and harder for Dad and Mom to make a go of the business. Dad's work ethic would not allow him to sit around- so, in his 40's, he went back to school and earned his Fireman's Certificate. Dad began work for the Battlefords School Division at Battleford Junior High School which later become St. Vital Catholic School with The Living Sky School Division. Dad enjoyed working with the staff and students during those years and developed great friendships with many during his tenure as the schools caretaker. Six years ago Dad retired and ... couldn't stay retired! After several months of early fast-food breakfasts and a lot of Tim Horton's coffee with Fr. Greg, Dad began working at St. Vital Roman Catholic Church a few hours a week doing janitorial work and general maintenance. He enjoyed his work at St. Vital and later on after Mom retired, she joined him, working together again, like they did in the family business days. Being semi-retired, they now had time to participate in activities they both enjoyed. There were the notorious Sunday drives that were 4, 5, 6 hour or more excursions. More than once they'd call one of the kids to tell them about a great Chinese restaurant they found in some little town we'd never heard of, hundreds of miles from where they lived. They joined a bowling league and became avid Horseshoe players, with Dad winning numerous provincial championships. Dad and Mom really enjoyed those times and the great friends they made. After the loss of their second oldest son Carson, Mom and Dad found comfort and support in the St. Vital Parish. Besides working at St. Vital, they regularly attended Sunday Mass and Parish gatherings. Their faith was important. Dad developed a strong relationship with Father Greg and shared stories about the serious discussions they had- and even the silly ones. Dad often referred to Father Greg as "My good friend" rather than his Parish Priest. When Fr. Greg left the parish for a short time, Mom and Dad were heartbroken as many of the St. Vital Parishioners were, and overjoyed when he returned. When Dad became too ill to work at the church and attend mass, Mom picked up the slack at work and continued attending Sunday Celebration. Mom made a decision to become a Catholic during this time and asked Fr. Greg to help her with this step in her Christian journey. A couple of weeks ago while Fr. Greg was visiting Dad at the hospital, they spilled the beans to Dad about Mom's Confirmation. Dad was so happy. He asked Mom if she wanted to do this, and her reply was the same as it was 51 years ago when they were married- "I do". Mom was to be confirmed last Wednesday in Dad's hospital room with Dad as her sponsor. Sadly, Dad lost his fight with cancer Monday evening. Wednesday afternoon, surrounded by her kids and grandkids, Mom was confirmed and I had the honor of placing my hand on Mom's shoulder where Dad's would have been as her sponsor. We all felt Dad there on that special day. Our Mom was at our Dad's side for over 51 years. The strength and faith she had during his cancer fight was unbreakable. To this family, we believe- the strongest woman we'll ever know married to the toughest man that ever lived. Dad always told us that family comes first. Love each other, no matter what, because without family, there is nothing else. Respect yourselves and each other, because if you can't do that- no one else ever will. We were expected to be tough, and encouraged to be kind and caring. Long before "Rocky Balboa", Dad taught us to be confident, that falling on your face wouldn't kill you, and that nothing was ever determined by how many times you fell on your face. Strength was measured by all the times you got back up and tried again. I am who I am today because of that iron hand, and could not be more proud to tell you I am Frank Ironstand's son, and these are Frank Ironstand's amazing daughters. Thank you for all those lessons Dad- we're passing them on to our own kids. The family would like to say a sincere Thank You to everyone that touch our parents during Dad's fight- to the doctors, nurses and staff at Royal University and The Battlefords Union Hospitals- Thank You. To all that sent well wishes, thoughts and prayers to our family-Thank You. A special Thank You to Bob MacKay from the Battlefords Funeral Home. Last Monday when Dad left us, you comforted our Mom and told her you were taking your friend. To us, your kindness towards Mom and Dad makes you more than a friend- that makes you family. To Father Greg, we cannot begin to express our gratitude. Dad so looked forward to your visits. Your friendship and compassion for our parents will always mean you'll be more than their Parish Priest to us- you are also part of this crazy, wonderful family too. Thank you to everyone again for being here and God Bless you Dad, we all love you. The family would like to extend a sincere Thank You to all who sent prayers, flowers, cards, food and kind thoughts. A special Thank You to Dr. Kamal Haider and the staff at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, as well as Dr. James Johnson for the compassionate care he has always shown Frank. Thank You to the B.U.H 3rd North staff for their kindness & compassion Frank received while in their care. And a heartfelt Thank You to Bob MacKay & staff for their support, compassion & friendship shown to Frank's family, during this difficult time. Memorial Donations are requested to St. Vital Parish, Box 58, Battleford, SK. S0M 0E0. Interment took place at the City Cemetery, North Battleford, SK. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service, North Battleford SK.
