Birthplace: Yorkton, Saskatchewan

Mr. J. Francis (Frank) Buckle, age 79 years a resident of Murillo, passed away on Saturday, July 10th, 2004 in the St. Joseph's Care Group with his family by his side. Born August 31, 1924 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, he was the son of the late Ernest and Mary Buckle. Frank came to Thunder Bay in 1947, following his discharge from the armed forces. He farmed for many years in Murillo and had been employed with Nor Shore Ready Mix for 19 years. An avid horseman, Frank was a pioneer in many areas of horsemanship in Thunder Bay. He was one of the founding members of the Lakehead Light Horse Association and The Thunder Bay Quarter Horse Club. With much help from his family and friends, Frank constructed the first indoor riding arena in the Thunder Bay area, which he and Lil operated as a boarding and training facility for many years. He was the proud owner of the first quarter horse stallion in the district. Frank participated in many aspects of horsemanship from logging, chariot racing, training, showing, gymcana, teaching and his greatest joy trail riding. He could often be heard saying while riding "I wonder what the poor people are doing today?" Frank will be lovingly remembered by his wife Lil whom he shared his life with for 54 years, his daughters Gail McCormack (Kelly) of St. Albert, Alberta (at present here) and Sherry Dysievick (Ron), 4 grandchildren: Lori, Steve, Riley and Mark, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Predeceased by his parents, his son Gary on November 13, 1997 and by his brother Lorne. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 15th when family and friends will gather at Pinegrove United Church, R.R. 5, Hwy. 130 for services at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jann Sampson presiding. Interment will follow in Stanley Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Sargent & Son Funeral Directors, 21 North Court Street. Flowers gratefully declined, as expressions of sympathy the family respectfully request memorials to the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation or to St. Joseph's Foundation designated to the Palliative Care Unit.