Mr Frank Warren Langstaff

      Mr Frank Warren Langstaff was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Frank always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Frank was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

       His parents were Charles Summers Langstaff and Florence Langstaff (nee Willis). Frank was raised in Dumferlin and Grandora, Saskatchewan. Always able to express himself well, Frank possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Frank was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Frank was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Frank was raised with three siblings. He had two older sisters, Eva and Helen, and one older brother, William. Frank had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Frank showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Frank enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in a game of scrubs at family picnics or community get-togethers. In his spare time he liked spending time and playing with his dog and his horse, but most time was spent helping out on the family farm.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Frank was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Radford Lodge School, in Asquith, Saskatchewan in finished high school at the end of grade 8. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Friends and acquaintances found Frank an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Frank was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were George and Peggy Baker, Walter Beal, John Baker, Harry Baker, Buster Beal, Marg Beal and Leonard Beal. Later in life, he became friends with George and Dorothy D'Hulster, Robert and Shirley Alton, Bob and Jessie Moore, Don Arndt, Walter and Mary Schuerman, George Burdess, Austin Shellington, Reg and Corinne Loren, Art Loren, Hurvey Strong, Carl Smokey, Sandy amd Emily Serna, Jum and Doreen Smith, Nick and Kathy Kozak and Ray Jackson.

      On May 23, 1942 Frank exchanged wedding vows with Annie May Kidley in Saskatoon, SK. After her passing, Frank lived with Elsie Schendel and finally on September 14, 2002, he wed Marjorie Cinnamon at the Winterburn Hall in Winterburn, AB. Frank was attentive to Annie, Elsie and Marj's feelings, and he charmed them and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Frank was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to his relationships.

      Very much like a kid himself, Frank identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Frank was blessed with two children and one foster daughter, two sons, Mervin and Raymond, and one foster daughter, Mary. He was also blessed with four grandchildren, Kent, Klint, Katrina, and Darlene and six great-grandchildren.

      Frank was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Frank’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Frank was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Frank could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was school custodian. Frank also had a mixed farm and at one time has race horses as well. He was employed for 25 years, between Donnan School and Park Dale School in Edmonton.

      Frank enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were cards, particularly Cribbage and "31". He was content to enjoy his time alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Frank was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Recreational sports included golf.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Frank truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included trips to Las Vegas during the winter months.

      When Frank’s retirement from the schools finally came in 1977, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to Edmonton. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing cards.

      Frank passed away on June 8, 2015 at General Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Frank lived and loved on this earth for 93 years. An infection and a heart attack finally took him from us. He is survived by his son, Raymond (Patricia); his grandchildren, Kent (Susan), Klint (Tamara), and Katrina (Deryk); and great-grandchildren, Kaden, Marley, Kiera, Callie, Brayden and Bailey. Services were held at First Memorial Riverview Chapel. Frank was laid to rest in Fort Saskatchewan Cemetery in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

      Frank was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Frank had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Mr Frank Warren Langstaff.

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Mr. Frank Warren Langstaff, late of Edmonton, formerly of Fort Saskatchewan, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2015 at the age of 93 years. He is survived by his loving family; his son, Raymond (Patricia) Langstaff; 3 grandchildren, Kent (Susan) Langstaff, Klint (Tamara) Langstaff, and Katrina (Deryk) Sanford; his great-grandchildren, Kaden and Marley Langstaff, Kiera and Callie Langstaff, and Brayden and Bailey Sanford as well as many other dear friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 11:00 am at First Memorial Riverview Chapel, 11090 86 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan. Donations in Frank Langstaff’s memory gratefully accepted directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 10985 – 124 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 0H9.

Online condolences may be sent through www.riverviewfuneral.com.

Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Services - Riverview Chapel, Fort Saskatchewan, AB.