Saturday, May 29, 2010

In Memory of my Father- Henry Frank

September 11, 1919 - May 27 , 2010

My Dad was a gentle and kind man that never complained about anything. He lived a good, happy, honest life and passed away at the age of 90. He died peacefully at his home in Los Gatos.






We knew God was going to call your name.
In life we loved your dearly,
In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone,
For part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide
And though we cannot see you,
You are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same
But as God calls us one by one
The chain will link again.



Here is Dad on October 5, 2009. He sure looked great on that day!




April 1989




This is Dad in December 2008








Hank & I took Dad to the Danville Car Museum in 2006





We took Dad to the Los Gatos Byington Winery in July of 2006. He really enjoyed the wine tasting and picnic lunch.




Dad had a lifetime dedicated to farming and collecting antiques, preserving a piece of the Santa Clara Valley's rich heritage. Although Dad was born in Provo, Utah, his family moved to Los Gatos when he was very young. He remained in Los Gatos throughout his life and died peacefully in his home his brother built.

My Uncle Albert built the home to replicate the family's nearby homestead at Winchester Boulevard and Pollard Road that was replaced by Interstate 85. The freeway was built on the three acres of prune and apricot orchards that the Frank family had owned since 1919.

Dad attended Campbell High School. He served as a Vehicle Mechanic in World War II from 1941 - 1945. After the war, he worked at Moffet Field in Mt. View where he met my Mother, Evelyn Rodrigues. They opened "The Rocket Car Wash" in Campbell, CA. After several years with the successful business venture, Dad and Uncle Albert decided to pursue their father's occupation of farming by purchasing property in Patterson, CA. He farmed over 200 acres of apricots with his brother until their retirement in 1979.

After retirement, Dad involved his time with restoring antique cars. He restored a total of 15 cars, one an exact replica of his oldest brother’s first car, a 1929 Model A Ford Phaeton. Because of his extensive collection, we (my sister and I) and numerous nieces asked to use the cars for our wedding party. He proudly led many wedding parties dressed in his 1920 knickers and ivy hat. He participated in the Campbell Old Settlers Parade for many years in addition to the Los Gatos Children’s Christmas Parade and the Conquers de Elegance circuit, taking top awards each year. He also traveled to Europe collecting antique furniture and clocks to fill the house he lived in.


Dad was a member of the California Chrysler Club, The Santa Clara County Model T Club, the Model A Club, and the American Legion Post 419 of Santa Clara.

1 comment:

  1. This is lovely Kathy. I knew him and things about him, but did not know all that ... born in Utah, worked at Moffett Field, etc. Very interesting. He was always just this wonderful to us kids who had load of land, loads of apricots and really old furniture and cars. (hahaha - funny how you look at things when you are younger). But truly he was a very gentle and calm man, who always went witht the flow of things, so easy going. Our hearts go to you and Kris. Although I am sure it is calming to know that he has been reunited with your Mom now, where I am sure he has been waiting to be. Love you!

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