With heavy hearts the family of Frank Jorgensen announce his passing on August 3rd, 2011 at Rosewood Village with family by his side.
Frank was born in Vancouver B.C. to Henry and Christina Jorgensen on Oct. 1st 1927.Raised in Vancouver, Frank loved the sea and got his first job on a Freighter bound for South America at the age of 15. As a young sailor he travelled all around the world, visiting ports most young men his age had never heard of. He proudly served his country as a Merchant Mariner during WW2. In 1949 he signed on with Canadian National Railways and was transferred to Hanna Alberta. Frank was soon stoking coal in a Steam Engine as it headed across the frozen prairie, his memories of his life at sea far behind him. There he met and married Audrey MacKay and settled down to family life. Frank soon had an opportunity to train as a Locomotive Engineer. With transfers to Jasper, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Smithers and then finally back to Vancouver over the next 15 years, the family moved often, making many new friends in every new community. Frank was one of the first CN Locomotive Engineers to train new engineers as an instructor in the ESB program. Many young men, including his own son got the benefit of Frank’s vast experience in many situations on almost every track in BC. Frank was highly respected by his peers and supervisors, After a 36 year career with CN he retired in 1985. He and Audrey moved to Kelowna where they enjoyed Okanagan life, time with old friends and lots of travelling , some trips back to places he had visited as a young sailor.Overcome by Frank’s illness, Frank and Audrey moved to Trail in 2006 to be close to family.
Frank loved his family and will be dearly missed by his wife of 60 years Audrey, daughter Linda, son Frank, son in law Steve Webber, daughter in law Mary Ann Jorgensen, grand daughter Crystal Browne (Sean), grandson Shawn Webber (Tabatha) sister Charlotte Galik, brother George Jorgensen and great grand children Nicole and Danielle Browne, Calix and Meadow Webber, and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A family celebration of Frank’s life is planned for Saturday, August 6th. In lieu of flowers the family gratefully request donations be made in Frank’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2012 West Broadway St, Vancouver B.C. V6H 3V2.