Philip James Franke

If you knew Phil, you knew he was always ‘clowning’ around. His goal was to make people laugh and bring some joy to their lives. He was notorious for carrying a clown nose with him everywhere he went. If you didn’t know him, perhaps you had seen him around town, donning a clown nose and doing his silly little dance, and it brightened your day a little bit.

Philip was born April 12, 1943 in Scott Saskatchewan to Charlie and Eugenia Franke. The third oldest of 14 children, he grew up in a house filled with a hubbub of energy, all sorts of shenanigans and a whole lot of love. Although his early aspiration was to go into the priesthood, his path in life eventually led him to a career in plumbing which was better suited to him because he was a ‘you know what’ disturber. And thank goodness, because it was while living in Saskatoon working as a plumber, that he met the love of his life, Shirley Coupland. Philip said that he knew he would marry Shirley the first time he set eyes on her, and sure enough, on June 10, 1967 they married in Biggar, Saskatchewan. They were blessed with 2 children, first a son, Todd, born while they lived in Saskatoon, and then a daughter, Shauna, born while they were living in Spruce Grove, Alberta. Following a brief stint living in McKenzie BC, they moved in 1973 to Kelowna to settle down and raise their family.

Philip found employment with Little White Mechanical before starting his own plumbing business, Phil Franke’s Plumbing, in 1985. He made a name for himself not just with the excellent service he provided but also with his unique ability to connect with people. Who wouldn’t love a plumber wearing a clown nose? His son Todd followed in his footsteps and pursued a career in plumbing, and when Todd joined the family business, Phil couldn’t have been happier.

Philip was a big kid at heart and he approached life with a ‘how can I get a rile out of people?’ approach. Always joking, always teasing, and always fooling around to get a laugh. He was a doting dad selflessly giving his time to support the interests and endeavors of his kids. From volunteering, to coaching, to chauffeuring, he was always there for them. He was the silliest Grandpa around, showering his grandkids with attention and spoiling them with way too many treats. He was generous with his time and would bend over backwards to help family, friends or strangers. He took things in stride and tried not to sweat the small stuff, his positive attitude an inspiration to others. And above all else, he was generous with his love, never shy to express or show how he felt. It is these traits that endeared Phil to so many, and if you were lucky to have met him, his larger-than-life personality was sure to have left an impact you wouldn’t soon forget.

Phil adored his wife Shirley, and for 57 years, she was the heart and soul of his happiness. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter and a whole lot of crazy. They were kept busy raising 2 kids, watching their kids start families of their own, growing a business and expanding their network of friends and involvement in the community. They spent their later years cross country skiing, hiking and kayaking, their love for adventure taking them on numerous kayaking trips to such places as the Bowron Lakes and Haida Gwaii. They developed an interest in genealogy and this inspired them to travel to England, Scotland and the US to explore their roots. Wherever they went, whatever they did, you know they were having fun and likely causing a bit of trouble too. Together, forever, facing the ups and downs in life as committed partners.

In 2020, Philip was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. With Shirley by his side, he approached his diagnosis with the same positive attitude that he approached life with, and as such we were lucky to have 4 more years with him. He is survived by his wife Shirley, children Todd (Lisa) and Shauna (Rob), grandkids Leanna, Laura, Kalli and Devin and great granddaughter Ava; siblings Gene (Lucille), Ralph (Deanna), Ken (Jacquie), Sandra, David (Tawana), Dennis (Wanda), Colleen (Gord), Lois (Marcelle), Gail (John) and Lynn (Brent); sisters-in-law Brenda and Dawn and numerous nephews and nieces. He is pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Bob and Michael and sister Charlotte, parents-in-law Jack and Janet Coupland, brothers-in-law Keith and Ed and nephews Randy and Jesse.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the medical team involved in Philip’s care at the Cancer Clinic, KGH and Kelowna Hospice House. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2025. Donations in Philip’s memory can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.

Philip, we love you and will miss you immensely. But we promise to keep laughing and continue your legacy of spreading joy and love and living life to the fullest.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299