Franklin Eugene Butz

Franklin was born in Heinersdorf, Thuringia, Germany where he lived with his parents, Ewald and Helene Butz, brothers, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousin. This close family survived tumultuous times during the Second World War and its aftermath, under fascist and totalitarian regimes. Post-war starvation and threat drove Franklin’s family west. His dreams of America brought him to Canada in 1953, and he then worked to bring over his parents and brothers. He met and married Maria Bergrath in 1955. Their mutual love and dedication carried them through many good, difficult, and colourful times for over 66 years.

As a boy, Franklin developed a fascination and love for honey bees while he watched and worked with a Bienenmeister. He built a Bienenhaus from timbers he cut himself when he was sixteen and carried his hives on his back as he fled East Germany. Crossing Canada by train to Edmonton, he saw his first package bees in Manitoba and again started to keep a few hives while he worked at the University of Alberta. In 1959, Franklin and Maria bought a farm near Spruce Grove where they raised their family and built their beekeeping operation. They wintered in California and kept bees throughout the west. Well into his eighties, Franklin produced honey and queens commercially.

Franklin was keenly interested in everything “Bee”. His many innovations focused on easing the work of the bee and the beekeeper, particularly in the North, where he pioneered overwintering and northern queen-rearing methods. Franklin was a dedicated builder, leader, and supporter of the beekeeping industry. Among other organizations, Franklin served the Alberta Honey Producer’s Co-operative as director for eight years and was a member for over thirty years. He was Chairman of the first Alberta Beekeeper’s Commission and a long-time supporter of Beaverlodge Field Day. Franklin had vision and worked tirelessly to build, improve and modernize.

Franklin was technically minded and always learning. He loved nature and science, music and history, and exploring the country. Hunting, fishing, and gardening were his pleasure. Providing, with Maria, delicious food for the table for family and friends was central to him, and was where he loved to talk and tell stories. His sense of humour kept things fun, often hilarious.

Franklin was a man of ideas who carried them out. He saw the big picture and revelled in detail. Franklin fought for what he believed. He was tough and resilient. He always said to “Leave things better than you found them”. Franklin will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family, friends, and country, and to his honey bees; and for all he thoughtfully worked on, and carefully and lovingly built.

Franklin is survived by his beloved wife, Maria; son, Norman, and daughter, Vivian (Alexander); their children and grandchildren; cousin, Annerose; nephews and nieces; and family in Germany. He was predeceased by his son, Harlan; and brothers, Reinhard, and Siegfried. His love is with us and he is greatly missed. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to all those who have been friends and support over these many years.

A memorial service will be held at Lindale Community Hall on December 21, 2021 at 2:00 pm.

Vaccinated or rapid-tested guests are welcome.