Frank Bast

June 1, 1930 –May 6, 2025

It is with deep love and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Frank George Bast, who passed away peacefully on May 6th just weeks before his 95th birthday.

Frank is predeceased by his wife Dorothea, who passed in 2022. He is survived by his four children: Lorraine (Duane), Brian (Karen), Shelley, and Tim. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Alisa (Chris), Lana (John), Mike (Megan), Jenni (Doug), Jason (Brianne), Jake Miranda (Anthony), and Riley (Raizel) He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Owen, Ava (Alisa), Peyton, Nyla (Lana), Levi, Lucas, Lewis (Miranda), Paizley, Aubree and Kylie (Riley), Kasey, Jaxyn, Nate (Mike) and his youngest great-grandchild, Eilee (Jason).

He will be Missed by his following siblings - Rose Church, Theresa Lipp, Christina Ziegler, Fred (Sheryl), Anthony, Joe and sister in law - Margaret Bast and we can't forget his favorite telephone buddy - Catherine and of course, all their families. He will be joining his family that already passed - Dorothea, brothers - Alfred Bast and Richard Bast, Sisters - Lorraine Bast, Mary Vogt, Bernadette Selinger, Josephine Ziegler, Pauline Sigmeth. Plus all the spouses.

Born on June 1, 1930, in Dilke, Saskatchewan, Frank was one of 14 siblings born to Frank and Katherine Bast. Raised in a bustling, close-knit household during the 1930s, Frank learned the value of hard work and strong family ties early on—principles he carried with him throughout his life.

Automotives were in Frank’s blood. As a young boy, he worked alongside his father in the family garage, sparking a lifelong love for cars. That passion took him to Calgary, where he worked at Macklin Motors and began building a life of his own. While home for the holidays, he married the love of his life, Dorothea, on December 29th —always joking that it was the best Christmas present he ever received (and a solid tax deduction, too).

Frank and Dorothea started their family soon after. Lorraine arrived the following December, followed by Brian five years later, then Shelley another five years after that. Breaking the pattern, Tim made his appearance just three years later, rounding out the Bast family.

After a few years in Calgary, the family returned to Regina, where he became the Parts Manager at Percival Mercury Sales for over 25 years. They eventually settling into their “forever” home on 7th Avenue North in Churchill Downs, where laughter, love, and the smell of car grease often filled the air. After Frank retired, he and Brian started up the automotive parts store - Parts Mart. In time Tim, Dorothy, Mike, Karen and Jenni worked there. Truly a family affair. Frank was very active in the Church and was a valued member of the Knights of Columbus.

Later in life, Frank and Dorothea moved to a condo in Harbour Landing, where Frank described life as “a vacation resort.” He loved sitting outside, watching people and bunnies pass by on the walking path. Eventually, they made their way to the Victorian Seniors Home, and finally to Brightwater—what became their truly forever home, close to two of Frank’s sisters.

At each visit, Frank would want to know what was going on his kids and grandkids life's - he would always start off by saying "whats new/? We would ask how he was feeling - he would say " I'm in better shape than most people here!

Frank had a light-hearted spirit and a knack for finding joy in the everyday. At his home at Brightwater, he would often joke with the general manager while reading the Leader Post, saying with a grin, “It’s a good day—I’m not in the obituaries yet.”

His grandchildren remember him fondly:

Alisa - being the first born - he was so excited to meet his first grandchild.

Lana being the youngest Fisher - she shares her grandfather's sense of humor!

Mike remembers how he started working at Parts-Mart with Grampa and his parents. Mike and Grampa shared their love of cars. Each time Mike came back to visit, his first stop was always to see Grampa.

Jenni shared how Grandpa would always be at her hockey games - he was their biggest fan! He was also a Pats season ticket holder for many years - loved to go early to watch warmups and walk around and chat with everyone during intermission.

Jason - for Jay and grampa it was always Hockey! His sister Catherine sent him updates from every professional game he played. I'm pretty sure whoever visited had to hear about Jason.

Miranda - grampa saved pictures of her ringette games when she was little. She used to bring her 3 boys to visit Great Grampa!

Frank was a kind, gentle soul with a gleam in his eye and a joke at the ready. He believed in family, hard work, and making the most of every moment. He showed us how to live with purpose, laugh often, and love deeply.

He will be missed beyond words but remembered always—, love in his heart, and a sparkle in his eye.

A a celebration of life for Frank will be held Monday, May 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Lee Funeral Home, 3101 Dewdney Ave, Regina, Saskatchewan S4T0Y5.