With heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of Frank Shelest.. Less than three months since the passing of his life’s love Alice, Frank joined her on February 23, 2020.
Dad was born in Poland near the Russian border on September 26, 1929. As a baby of less than a year, with his parents he immigrated to Canada in May 1930. Old country acquaintances drew them to cross the country and settle in Prince George. Dad’s youth was spent in P.G., pursuing interests in the outdoors and school sports. He graduated from Prince George Secondary, gaining experience in a few different professions he ultimately settled on teaching. Frank attended Normal School at the University of Victoria and his career commenced in rural Prince George. He married Alice in 1953 and after adding two children to the mix the family moved to Needles, finally settling in Chase in 1959. Frank was committed to obtaining his degree in education and attended summer school almost every year, finally graduating with his degree the same year his daughter graduated from high school. It was a long road but for him the perfect way to meet the obligations of his family and his work.
As the vice-principal of the one school in Chase, Dad watched the community grow and the school system change, moving to the high school as vice-principal when it opened.
As a father he treated his children to a wide variety of family activities including hunting, fishing, photography, rock hounding, music and community service. In 1967 he was a charter member of the Chase Lions Club. It was an avenue for him to thank the community for the life he and his family were able to live. He was very active in a number of community endeavours including the curling club, the health centre, Salute to the Sockeye, Lions Quest, the area rock club are a few that come to mind. Frank received many awards including Chase Citizen of the Year, Chase Lion of the Year, Lifetime Lions Member and also the highest Lions International award, the Melvin Jones Lions Award.
Frank will be dearly missed by his children Sandy (Glenn) Vogstad of Kamloops, Rob (Sherree) of Princeton; his grandchildren Lee (Yuki) Vogstad, Tessa (Scott) Cooper, Jen Shelest, Nikki (Brad) Wutke; great-grandchildren, Lily, Dylan, Leland, Emily and Noah. Frank was predeceased by his brother Bruno (Shirley) and survived by his siblings, Walter (Marilyn), Staffie (Fred), Mike and Fran. Many nieces and nephews will remember his smile at the frequent family reunions.
The family would like to thank the staff of Kamloops Seniors Village and Royal Inland Hospital – 5S for their care and understanding of Dad’s needs.
A celebration of life will be held in Chase in late spring for both Frank and Alice. They will be together for life.
Memorial donations may be made to Chase Lions or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
18 Tributes
Sincere condolences to all of the family. He made a huge impact to so many over his long life. May he Rest In Peace with your Mother, the ❤ of his life.
My most fond memories of high school include this man. You never doubted his sincere appreciation for his career choice or how important each of us was, to him. Later on, in adulthood, my adoration grew as I quickly came to know Frank as a genuinely kind human. He was one of my biggest cheerleaders no matter what I was doing: math, drama, high school reunion, my career path…the list goes on. I am grateful to have known him. I am so sorry to his family and friends, for his loss.
Mr. Shelest (Frank) was a kind and generous teacher and a gentleman. We shared many times as families on adventures orchestrated by one of the adults! So many wonderful memories. Frank and I shared a love of flowers and I will always think of him when I see a dahlia. Our deepest sympathy, Sandy, Rob and family.
Frank was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. We so enjoyed our chats over coffee with him at the A&W. He was a great support to me when I worked with him in the high school. He will be remembered fondly by so very many in Chase. Rest in Peace! Our condolences to the family.
My condolences to the whole family. Mr Shelest was my teacher throughout my high school years in CHASE.He saved me in math spend time until I got it. Over the last few years I would see them as I would go see my Aunt and would see them both she always made me laugh. After she passed I would see Mr Shelest and you could tell his heart was broken after Alice was gone. Rest In Peace and now you are with your ❤️
Mr.Shelest. was always fair and kind to me. I will never forget his
Kindest he showed towards me. In
The later years I still called him Mr. Shelest, he would say it’s Frank, o said I was raised to be respectful you will always be Mr. Shelest. Condolences to his family. Thank-you for sharing him with all of is.
Many memories of Mr Shelest over the years at Chase High School. But he was also one of our mentors that helped the “Chase Leo’s Club” over the years on several projects and endeavours that we set out to accomplish within the community for/under the watchful eyes of many. He was quick to help when/where we needed; and he never judged any of our “missed steps”.
He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.
Thank you and rest peacefully
Frank will be missed ! Along with Alice wonderful neighbors years ago ! The Connetts , always with their kindness towards others !
Frank Shelest was a wonderful man! I had the pleasure of working with him at Chase Secondary for 3 years. He was always approachable, fair, caring and kind to all he came in contact with! Rest In Peace my friend.
My gosh! I have the fondest memories of Mr Shelest! Because there was an overflow of students for Homeroom his office was one of them. We called him “ Frankie” he didn’t mind. He also encouraged Curling as a house sport. He was a kind gentle soul, always a kind advocate and cared for his students . He remembered all his students to the day. Especially during his years as been a part of the Lions Club. Angels called you home.
Sandy,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your pops. Our thoughts are with you, Glenn and your family at this difficult time.
Sher and Pat
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Frank and Alice. Frank was the VP of Chase Elm-Sec School and taught me science and math. He also coached basketball, in the little gym, up until my grade 11 year. In my grade 12 year we all moved to the new Chase Secondary School. Frank was a very personable man who was sincerely interested in the students under his care. He was very much the ideal educator.
Frank and Alice eventually moved down near my parents on Aspen Drive. They were fast friends and shared many enjoyable times. I was always fascinated by Frank’s flower garden and especially his dahlia “field”. He shared many of his special hybrid seeds with me so I could enhance our own flower garden. I was fortunate to be able to visit with Frank for a few minutes in late November following Alice’s passing. The community of Chase and the world is a better place for having Frank and Alice pass through it. Our thoughts are with the family as they go through this difficult time. Keith & Pat Lanphear Abbotsford
Sandy, Rob and family. So sorry to hear of Franks passing. I didn’t know about your mom’s passing. They were both kind gentle people. Frank was wonderful in the school system, always level headed. Alice loved her cross stitch. I used to enjoy talking to her about it. They both were always eager to help out my Mom and Dad (the Lanphear’s). How nice they are together again. Thoughts and prayers to all of you Rod and Sharon Johnston. (Lanphear)
Sandy, Rob and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Frank was a kind gentle man. Both your Mom and Dad were very kind to my parents (Phyl and Vic Lanphear). I used to enjoy talking about cross stitch with your Mom, and the Dalias were always beautiful. May they both rest in peace and how appropriate they are together again. Prayers and thoughts for you all. Rod and Sharon Johnston. Ps. This is my 2nd try at this so you may get two
My condolences to the family. Frank was a very influential teacher and administrator. He provided stability and sound leadership. His legacy will ripple through coming generations. I am grateful for his wise advice on many occasions. May your memories help you at this time of grieving.
Hermann and I enjoyed quite a few memorable moments talking to Frank and Alice about the rocks you could find around the Shuswap. There were always some useful suggestions to help us. Alice could sure bake a delicious cake for the rock club members to eat at the meetings. It was a pleasure to have known both of them.
Frank taught me in Prince George when I was in Grade 8; it may have been his first year teaching (1954). We also played badminton together throughout my high school years as he was a coach and sponsor. He was a good teacher and a thoughtful man. My family also knew his wonderful family.
I’m sure his family has many happy memories of times spent with Frank. I send them my sympathy for their loss.
very sorry to hear that Frank is now “hunting other grounds”, but nethertheless glad, we found a sign of you, Sylvia and Hermann after our return to Germany long ago!
Gunther and Doris Allmendinger, Herrenberg.
(Gunther at “bainz dot biz”)