Francis "Frank" Hargreaves

Francis “Frank” Albert Hargreaves, in his 88th year, peacefully left this earth on the 21st of August, 2022 with his loving wife Helen by his side holding his hand as they have done throughout their 64 years of marriage.  Take comfort in knowing that the final words spoken were by Helen, when she leaned in and whispered, “I love you Frankie”.  Frank, predeceased by his parents Francis Sr. and Anne Hargreaves, beloved eldest sibling of Anne Marie and the late Ron Christie, the late John “Jack” and Pat Hargreaves, William “Bill” and Joan Hargreaves, Madeline and Larry Roy, Paul and Jean Hargreaves, the late Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hare and the late Mary and Bob Shultz and many nieces and nephews.

Frank and Helen have four children, Don and Kim Hargreaves, Dave Hargreaves and Lisa Earle, Mike Hargreaves and Jackie Arenburg, Catharine and Rob Burke.  Frank was the loving grandfather to Matt (Nicole), Laura Megan (Dave), Alex, Jackson (Christie), Leah, Mark (Natalie), Jessie, Adam, Keegan (Victoria), Chelsea (Brad). Super proud “GG” to Zachary, Madeline, Kellan and Emilia.

Frank, also known as Moose, was born in Kirkland Lake and moved to Barrie at a young age.  Ask him a question about Barrie history and he was either there to witness it or knew someone who was.  He attended Scollard Hall in North Bay and then started with “the” Bell.  Frank and Helen first met as Helen was walking on Ross Street and Frank was driving the Bell truck.  Frank left it to the last minute to invite Helen to a Bell dance in Guthrie – Helen first responded “well you left it pretty late”, Frank apologized and Helen said “well I didn’t say I wouldn’t go”, and the next 66 years they co-wrote a love story.  Their first apartment was at St. Vincent and Grove Streets and in 1958 they built the homestead on Amelia Street, where they have lived ever since and welcomed many in through the front door for a “pour” and many laughs.  We can’t forget the presence of the numerous four-legged friends – Shan, Holly, Casey, Scout and Buddy.

Frank and Helen’s story includes many trips, the Barrie Curling Club (the Hargreaves rocks are still in use), the Knights of Columbus Hall on Berczy Street, the old cottage in Oro, Kanichee Lake, Divine Lake Lodge and the farm in Saskatchewan.  A full feature film would be jam-packed with their adventures – it would include many comedic scenes and most likely be sponsored by Lamb’s Rum.  The cover photo of the movie would be set around the classic well-worn kitchen table, Frank and Helen surrounded by family and Frank using his “index” finger to make a point!!!

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place on Sunday the 11th of September, 2022 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 93 Berczy Street, Barrie from 12-4 pm.

Donations may be made in honour of Frank to a “Senior Wish Foundation”. This organization operates in the Simcoe-Muskoka area and has helped over 3000 seniors with various “wishes”.

As Frank would love to say – “I think it’s time for a pour……” - and then start to laugh.