Franklin Robert Ponikvar

Frank passed away unexpectedly on April 26, 2016. He was born in Manila, Philippines on October 20, 1948 to John J. Ponikvar and Justa (Anita) Manuel Ponikvar. The family eventually moved to Honolulu where his three siblings were born, and the family later moved to Great Falls, Montana. Frank was a gifted athlete and attended college on a baseball scholarship to MSU-Billings and graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Fine Arts. Frank was an extremely talented and versatile artist that created paintings, ceramics, graphic art, comics and was an amazing printmaker. Frank's art has been enjoyed and is displayed in many homes and businesses around the world. Frank was also an environmentalist way before it was cool. He was a founder, president and board member of the Great Bear Foundation for the protection of all bears especially the Grizzly. Always an excellent communicator, Frank held several positions as a communications coordinator, most recently with the University of Montana and Montana Tech's CFWEP education program and a radio program to help promote watershed awareness. Prior to that Frank held a similar position in Honolulu running educational programs for Kama'aina Kids and sharing his art knowledge with the children of Hawaii. In 1976, Frank married Charlotte Gagnier in Missoula, Montana and they had a daughter, Jazmine. A few years later the family moved to Seattle where Frank had an art studio in Pioneer Square and also worked in graphic design. Frank and Charlotte parted ways and Frank moved to Friday Harbor and worked as a naturalist for San Juan Excursions and the San Juan Journal. Frank met Judy and they moved on to Honolulu. Frank and Judy were married in Honolulu at the Aloha Tower. After several years they decided to move back to the Northwest to be closer to their families and Frank then took the position for CFWEP and retired just last year. In the past few years Frank brought together many artists from around the globe with the Artists Communications Palette. Frank was preceded in death and welcomed into his next quest by his parents John Ponikvar and Justa (Anita) Ewald. Frank is survived by his wife Judy, sisters Linda (Layne) Ponikvar, Beverly (Kate) Ponikvar, brother Rick Ponikvar, daughter Jazmine (Joseph) Matautia, grandchildren JoJo and Jazlene Matautia, step-daughter Jamie (Dan) Mohr, grandchildren Samuel and Kaylee Mohr, nephew Jess (April) Ponikvar, Orion Ponikvar, Sierra Love, JJ Williamson, Erik Danielson, Charlotte Gagnier, step-father Lyle Ewald and the large extended Ponikvar and Manuel families. Frank was much loved by all. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 11th, please contact a family member for more information.