Obituary of Frank Mentes

MENTES, Zoltan Ference, “Frank” It is with broken hearts that the family of Frank Mentes Sr. announces his passing on April 30, 2018, He passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Frank was in his 87th year, born on September 20, 1930, in Sutter, Hungary. He was predeceased by his wife Susie in 2002, whom he was married to for 49 years. He leaves to mourn his loving companion, Violet Speiler, his son Frank (Laurie) Mentes Jr., daughter Anita Palynchuk, son-in-law Kingsley Palynchuk, his grandchildren, Matthew (Krystle), Michael, (Stephanie) and Andie (Derek Sandbeck) Palynchuk. Frank was blessed with 5 great-grandchildren who were his utmost pride and joy, Emery, Liam, Charliee, Parker and Dylan…..”Those Palynchuk kids!!” Also left to mourn are Frank’s younger brother Miklos, numerous nieces and nephews, all who are still residing in Hungary. A special acknowledgement of his Godchildren Attila (Vicki) Szigeti and family, and Ramona (Yvan) Duret and his Goddaughter Megan Duret, all of Kelowna, B.C.

Frank was blessed to have his extended family with Violet, who mourn his passing, Sylvie (Stew Storie) Spicer and family, who welcomed Frank and loved him like a father and grandfather.

Frank is predeceased by his father, Lajos and mother Margaret, his brother Lajos Mentes and sister Teresa Varga, his sister-in-law Irene Szigeti, and brother-in-law, Steve Szigeti.

To celebrate Frank’s long and full life, a celebration of Catholic mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at St. Cecelia RC Church, 5020 7th Avenue, Regina, SK. A light lunch will follow.

Frank and Susie emigrated to Canada, fleeing their homeland during the Russian invasion of Hungary in 1956. Despite the daunting challenges of arriving in Canada as refugees, Frank and Susie worked extremely hard to make a good life in their new home country. While living in Hungary, dad was known by his first name, Zoltan, or Zoli. He was anointed Frank by the Canadian immigration officers who filled in his documentation listing Frank as his first name. He quickly gained employment with the Government of Saskatchewan as a draftsmen, while hardly being able to speak English, but his skill in his trade made him a valuable asset to his employer. Frank worked with the Government until his retirement in 1987. He developed many lifelong friendships with his work colleagues, and really enjoyed the monthly Coffee Club with his fellow retirees.

While working full time, Frank worked many years as a drywall and ceiling finisher. He carried on his skills in construction after retiring on countless projects, including almost rebuilding the family home in its entirety. Frank’s skills at renos and general construction were spread out with love to all of his children and grandchildren in hundreds of projects, big and small. Nobody worked harder than he did.

Frank was fiercely proud of his heritage, and cheered loudly for any Hungarian sports teams. He was a tremendous athlete, excelling at soccer and volleyball. He played these sports at a high level, representing the province on many occasions. He was also a keenly astute student of North American sports, he coached baseball and hockey, and was a big fan of the Riders, he was asked to try out as their kicker due to his soccer prowess. He instilled his love of sport to his children, and was their biggest fan. He was renowned for his distinct and robust cheering. Many, many referees had the pleasure of a loud “Jeeper” at a missed call.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he beamed at their accomplishments. Grandpa Mentes exuded a deep sense of love and pride for all of them, and each one of them were his “Favourite”

The family would like to thank all the caregivers and medical staff that provided excellent care for Dad during the last few months, there are too many to mention…..but despite Frank’s failing health, he would always have a bright eye and flirty comment for the many nurses who attended to him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people wishing to make a memorial contribution do so to the charity of their choice. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Paragon Funeral Services, 521 Victoria Avenue.