With sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, FRANK JAMES MACHACEK, on October 13, 2008 at the age of 85.

Throughout his life Frank's marriage to Josephine, his beloved wife of 59 years was a source of joy and happiness, as were his five children, eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is survived by his loving wife Josephine of Lethbridge; sons, Dennis (Jane) of Vulcan, Jerry (Penny) of Canora, Saskatchewan, and Larry of Vulcan; daughter, Shirley (Hugh Schroeder) of Edmonton; his brothers Stanley (Kathy) of Lethbridge and Vince (Betty) of Crossfield as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents Joseph and Elizabeth; brother Charlie and daughter Linda Machacek predeceased Frank.

Dad was born on September 22, 1923 in Czechoslovakia the first child of Joseph and Elizabeth Machacek. When Frank was six the family immigrated to Canada and settled at Cranford, Alberta where they put down roots and established the family farm. Years later, Frank was called into duty with the Canadian Army where he served in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. When World War II ended, Frank returned home to work on the family farm in Southern Alberta.

On July 27, 1949 Frank married the love of his life Josephine Balaz. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters Shirley and Linda and three sons, Dennis, Jerry and Larry. Frank and Josie remained in Southern Alberta where they established their own farming business and continued to farm in Turin, Barons and Lomond for approximately 30 years. During this time, Frank served as the mayor in Barons, volunteered with the Scouting Association and was an active member of both the The Elks and The Legion. Throughout Frank's life farming was both his career and his passion. In 1980 Frank and Josie relocated to Lethbridge where they continued to live in their 'retirement years'. In his spare time, Frank loved to sing and dance as a member of The Czech Society of Southern Alberta. Among many things, Frank will be fondly remembered for his farming expertise, storytelling and debating topics of the day related to politics and world events with family and friends alike.

He will be greatly missed by his family but his memories and teaching will never be forgotten. He was a special man and loved by many.

We wish to give a special ""Thank You"" to the staff at St. Michael's Home Care Centre for the loving care they gave our dad.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00 pm, on Sunday, October 19, 2008, at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 St., S., Lethbridge, AB.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, on Monday, October 20, 2008, at ST. PATRICK'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 310 - 10 St., S., Lethbridge, AB, with Father Raul Hernandez celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's memory to the Alzheimer's Society Lethbridge, 402 - 740 4 Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0N9.