Frank Arthur Craig Mantle

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our much loved father, Frank Arthur Craig Mantle, just two months shy of his 95th birthday.  Frank left this world peacefully, surrounded by his children, at home listening to his favourite music by Tuba Skinny. Thank you to Orchard Haven for their selfless care, kindness and compassions the last week and a half of Dad’s days. Frank was the fourth child born in Ottawa, Ontario to Arthur William Mantle and Arthur's second wife, Miriam (Duncan).  His siblings were William, James, Isobel and Robert and Frank also had five half siblings from Arthur's first marriage to Rosa (Hill). In ‪1936, Frank’s family moved to Elsom Avenue, in Burnaby, BC where he attended Kingsway West School.

In 1944, Frank joined the Royal Canadian Navy.  He was only 17 so he had to have his mother sign for him, much to her chagrin.  Frank served in both: the Atlantic and Pacific and started with The Triangle Run: Halifax, St John’s and New York.  Then he went to mid-ocean escort, on the HMCS Portage and sailed south of Iceland up to the Azores and to New York.  Frank got into New York after the mid-ocean escort ‪at 2pm on VA (victory in Europe). Mucahigh (sailor on dad’s ship) dropped a depth charge over the side in NY Harbour on VA Day. Dad laughed so hard telling this story! Then he sailed on the HMCS Quatsino and HMCS Coaticoot on the West Coast. Although he never said it, Dad was proud of his service. Frank married Barbara Gustavson on March 19, 1955 and raised four children, moving from Burnaby, Terrace, Hazelton, Prince George, Point Roberts, WA and then settling in Surrey for 11 years. Frank and Barbara enjoyed bowling and square dancing together for many years and Frank won many trophies bowling. Frank also did dirt track racing in Penticton. In 1972, Frank and Barbara bought an orchard and moved their family to Keremeos.  Frank and his son, Stephen have many memorable trips to the prairies with loads of fruit. Then Frank started up Big M Tire; working with his son Gregory. Frank was a social man that loved chatting with people. Getting a tire changed at the tire shop was sometimes described as a lengthy encounter, but enjoyable! He drove truck for his eldest son Stephen’s company, Mantle Transport, in his early 70’s and drove a cab-over Peterbilt. Frank was a long-standing member of both the BC Line Drivers pre-1965; attending their annual banquet and the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) since 1991; travelling to the ATHS National truck shows all over the US every year. Besides his passion for all things trucks and truck shows, Frank also enjoyed annual fishing trips, with his brother Bill, to the Adams River for many years. He also enjoyed listening to music: big band, classic country and his latest, Tuba Skinny. Frank’s yard has been a landmark amongst truckers and travellers alike for many years who delight in his extensive collection of vintage vehicles. Frank was a generous and thoughtful man; his Christmas gift list consisted of a pile of envelopes with a designated amount of cash in each. There was one for every member of the family and he never missed anyone!
 Frank will be lovingly remembered by his children: Dawn Mantle, Stephen Mantle (Arlene), Elaine Mantle (Moh) and Gregory Mantle (Maria); his grandchildren: Kathryn Preece (Ryan), Kristie Klassen, Dalton Dupuis (Taylor), Deanna Dunham (Kevin), Craig Mantle, Alyssa Mantle, Stephen Mantle Jr, Kelsey Mantle (Tim), Cassidy Mantle, Christopher Reid, Ashley Reid, and his ten great grandchildren.

On Friday September 3, 2021, a procession starting from the Keremeos Legion will begin at 2pm, followed by a graveside gathering at the Village of Keremeos cemetery with Don Bodden officiating. Reception to follow at the Legion hall at approximately 3:15pm including tributes by friends and family. Due to limited seating please rsvp to the family directly if you would be attending. In lieu of flowers, you may donate in Frank’s name to the ATHS, Salvation Army or Smiles.