Frank Virovec of Brooks, beloved husband of Judy Virovec, passed away in Brooks on Monday, December 12th, 2016 at the age of 80 years. Frank was a first generation Canadian born to Hungarian immigrant parents. He was born on the family farm near Cowoki Lake (Tilley). He lived his entire life within twenty miles of where he was born. Frank loved the land he farmed , until his retirement in 2010. He married Arlene McClung on October 14th, 1961. They raised three children on the family farm. Frank was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. He volunteered to teach curling to the children of Tilley and sat on different boards. Farming was who he was and he excelled at it. A man of many talents, Frank drew up plans, helped build their new home, and used his skills to build many other projects, including a gazebo. He loved working with animals and had a way with them that few possess. These natural talents would have made him a successful carpenter or vet, but it was farming that captured his heart. Frank was at peace working the land and walking among his cattle. When the love of his life passed away suddenly, Frank was lost. He focused his energy into his farm, with his son David working at his side. On November 4th, 2008 Frank married Judy Conners, starting a new chapter in his life. In addition to his three children, Frank now had two step- sons and six grandchildren. He enjoyed the little ones company, and they were always clamoring onto his lap. Frank retired and moved into Brooks in 2010, and spent his time at the Prairie Pioneers, A and W for morning coffee, and Tim Hortons in the afternoon for coffee. He enjoyed meeting with friends and talking shop. Frank was a man anyone could have an intelligent conversation with and will be greatly missed by many. He was predeceased by his first wife Arlene in 1999, brother Mike, and parents Mike and Irma Virovec. Frank is survived by his loving wife Judy; children, Les Virovec and his wife Carolyn of Brooks, Carol Westcott and her husband Bob of Calgary and David Virovec of Brooks; step sons, Russel Middelhoek and his wife Samantha and their children Andrew, Bryce (Laura), Alyshia (Dustin) Jenna (Tyler) and step son, David Middlehoek and his wife Vanessa and their children Jocelyn and Madelyn; his mother in law, Joan Schnell of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Friday, December 16th at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. John Theiss officiated. In memory of Frank, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Room 124 Professional Building, 430 – 6th Avenue S.E, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8 or Prairie Pioneers, 511 2nd Street West, Brooks, Alberta T1R 0E8.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM, BROOKS, ALBERTA
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