Obituary of Rick Leonard Frayn
April 14, 1954 - February 8, 2018
On February 8, 2018, Rick was called to his final manager’s meeting, one from which he will not return. His was a life well spent, a life too short.
Rick’s beliefs were firmly rooted in a strong values base. His mantra was “work hard”, “play fair”, “care for others”, and “dance with enthusiasm and flair”. As Rick’s career grew successfully in the financial security sector within the Sun Life family, he became a leader, mentor and friend to many. Rick believed that you have three choices in any situation. Give in, Give up, or Give it your all. The third choice described Rick’s approach to life.
For Rick, you could not make a difference if you did not show up. Recently he found comfort in “Cowboy Wisdom” which is a simple and down to earth view of what is important in life. For example-if you are riding at the head of the herd, check back every now and then to make sure the others are still there.
Rick left us all with advice that provides a strong sense of purpose in our personal life journey. It is: Always strive to be better, always care for others and always be a giver, not a taker. Rick continued to practice these beliefs through his battle with cancer, always caring, always thinking of others, especially his family. If he could speak to us right now, he might tell us not to drink downstream of the herd and don’t look back…you are not heading that way.
Rick was passionate about many things but some were especially important to him. His golf, he was an accomplished golfer despite standing on the wrong side of the ball; his hockey, who knew someone could get so much joy out of being a goalie? Bruises were his badges of honor. Most importantly, his grandchildren. Each of the seven was cherished in their own unique way. Life’s gifts to Rick.
He was loved and will be missed by many including his wife, Susan and his three children; Trevor (Amanda), Michelle (Jeremy), and Jennifer (Trevor); his seven grandchildren, Marshall, Mason, Lucas, Hudson, Liam, Peyton and Sierra; two brothers Jim (Pat) and Gary (Laurie).
The family would like to thank the many friends, family and health care providers for their help and support over the last two years.
A Celebration of Life for Rick will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 3pm at Bear Creek Funeral Home 11802 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Sunnybrook Foundation Gord Downie Fund for Brain Research. https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/braincancerresearch Sunnybrook Foundation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ONT M4N 3M5
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com