In Loving Memory of Ernest Francis Attrux (known as Frank by everyone) who died in the Dryden Regional Health Center on Monday, June 29, 2020. Frank was 91.
Frank will be dearly missed by his daughter Pamela Attrux, son Joe Attrux, grandchildren, Reanne Dick, Monique Attrux, Richelle Dick, and Philippe Attrux, two great grandchildren, brother Albert and sister Alice Sinclair, nieces, nephews and other relatives, all of whom were very dear to him. Frank was predeceased by his loving wife Betty.
Frank was a man of principle and hard work who was admired and respected by so many. Born in Hafford, Saskatchewan on February 27th, 1929, Frank grew up during the Great Depression, and the experience had significant bearing on his life and demeanor. Hard physical work in the outdoors of Northwestern Ontario was his passion; he loved operating his road grader, gravel truck and loader and fixing cars, trucks, and small engines.
Frank came to Northwestern Ontario in 1945 and started working with MANDO at Trail Lake. His first job was riding shotgun in a 3-ton truck hauling 8-foot wood to the landing at Vermilion Bay: two loads a day, over a rough dirt road, up and down steep hills, hand loaded and unloaded. Frank frequently said that life was so good there compared to the barren prairies that he was able to buy a new car in less than nine months.
Frank would work for MANDO and its subsequent versions of a company for 27 years. Frank would often say that he had his 25-year ring when he was just 41 years old! When he left the company in 1973, his boss in Kenora did not believe that he had quit. Frank would receive cheques for another 3 months which he had to return in person to convince his boss that he had actually quit his job.
Frank continued to work on his own business of fixing and maintaining cars, grading roads, hauling gravel and landscaping for another 35 years until he was 78. Betty, his wife of 49 years, became ill, and he decided to stop and sell all his equipment.
But that never stopped the story telling. If you would listen, Frank could tell you countless tales of 16-hour days in the biting cold or the dusty heat. Not complaining, just bragging of sorts about accomplishments of a stubble jumper from Saskatchewan fully adapted to making a living that he loved in the Northwestern Ontario wilderness.
Cremation has taken place, and A Memorial Service will be held in late summer with date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to Princess Court DECO through Stevens Funeral Homes “Moffat Chapel” PO Box 412, P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
