Frank MARSDEN

Frank was born in Leeds, England. He was conscripted into the Royal Airforce and encouraged to becomes a career officer but declined. Career guidance led him into insurance. He left Britain in 1960 with his first wife Winnifred and twin sons. Frank eventually secured a position with ICBC in 1978. He worked his way up to become a major claims adjustor and gave training seminars. Frank appreciated an unusual and challenging claim. In June of 1977 Frank married Ruth Schaffranek. At the age of 45, Ruth had found her Yorkshire man and finally found the time to get married. She was born in Buethen, Germany. In 1945 Ruth, her moth and her brother fled across Germany as the Russian Army advanced to Berlin. She again took flight to Britain and entered the Nursing School of Swindon. After graduating she furthered her education and became a midwife. The next year with her nursing friend Pat, they sailed across the Atlantic to Canada. Ruth held various positions looking after mothers and babies during delivery, working in operating rooms, She became supervisor of the OR in Lion’s Gate Hospital. Ruth and Frank enjoyed many travels together. They shared a love for music, painting, reading and writing. Frank passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit in Nanaimo. Ruth passed the year previously in Comox Valley Hospital. Family will remember Ruth for her generous and spirited nature and Frank for his dry sense of humour and witty stories. We are grateful to the staff of the Comox Berwick, Keeping House, Comox Valley Hospital and NRGH staff who cared for Ruth and Frank. They are survived by sons/stepsons Cameron, Jason, Peter, daughter-in-law Gayle, and granddaughter Brittany.

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