As you all now are aware, our husband, son, father, and grandfather, Peter Anthony Frank, left us for the next life on January 4th, 2007. He passed peacefully in his sleep at 6:10 in the morning after an exhausting two year battle with cancer.
We know this must come as a shock to many of you, but Pete wanted his fight to be a personal one. The last thing he wanted was to burden all of his friends with the knowledge that he was fighting cancer. We hope those of you who were unaware of his condition will understand his choice.
It is our desire that this website will serve as a meeting place for everyone who knew Pete. We all experienced our time with Pete differently, and we all knew a different side of him. Please post comments with stories and memories of your times with him to share with all of his family and friends so we can all see a richer, more complete picture of him.
In addition, you will find links to the UCSD Moores Cancer Center and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on this website. We, the family, are asking that donations be made to either of these organizations in lieu of flowers. Pete spent a lot of time at UCSD, and it played an important role in his treatment. The Lymphoma Society is significant because he was suffering from mantle cell lymphoma, a high mortality form of cancer that was only recently categorized and still has few treatment options. It would make him happy to know that your donations, on top of the experimental treatments in which he participated, may help the next person win the fight.
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26 comments:
Of course the first thing that comes to mind when I remember Pete is that he was at virtually every crew race we had, with food, drinks, and his ever-jovial demeanor regardless of the outcome of our races. (That and his mantra of "if you race 2000m, train for 3000m!")
But one particular race comes to mind... Syracuse, '97. The alumni 4+ had terrible luck with rough conditions, and lost miserably at US Nationals. Pete was at the ready to help us drown our sorrows, and cheer us up! I'll never forget him discretely ordering several re-fills on JJ's Long Island Ice Tea... I don't think any of us saw Jen that drunk before, or since!
Godspeed, Pete. We'll miss you!
-KC
When Pete joined our family I knew that he would bring lots of fun to our already happy family. It started with him introducing us to many of the good deals on wine that you can get at Trader Joe’s. I could always count on him to not let me drink alone. Then there is the photo of him holding his grandson when we were all at the hospital the night (or was it early morning) of Owen’s birth. Basically, Pete was always there to brighten up the day and share some great stories. We will all miss him but know that he will live on in all our hearts.
If your really knew Pete you loved the guy, I know of no exceptions. I worked with Pete for many of the last 20+ years and he was willing to do whatever it took to get a job done no matter how difficult. The more important part, however; was that when you were working with Pete you knew you would have fun. We didn't agree on everything, but there was never a disagreement that couldn't be settled over a cold one. Pete, I know the beer will always be cold in your heaven, it has been my pleasure to know you.
Pete was one loveable, upbeat guy with a great personality and work ethic. He was so full of energy and enthusiasm that he would literally bounce off the walls. (Just a little hyper). Some of the times we had in Des Moines, the football and baseball games, the "late" tailgate parties, golfing and bowling, and countless others are unforgettable.
His dedication and loyalty to get the job done was always a high priority. He tried very, very hard to get me "computer literate" back in the "old" days when all I could do was hit the power button.
Pete was a hard working, kind and a warm-hearted friend and associate. No one who knew Pete will ever forget him.
Harold & Patti Owens
My heart sank when I read the email that Pete had passed on. This world has experienced quite a loss, but it is heavens gain.
I first met Pete when Accredited Home Lenders was a 30 person shop. He was standing outside smoking when I introduced myself. "So, what are you going to do for us?" he asked as if inviting me to stumble right out of the gate. He listened to what I had to say and then told me that, "this won't be a picnic, but if you do what you say, we can have a long relationship."
Well, we worked together until he retired from AHL. He always kept his word and he always kept us on our toes. During the growth period of AHL that followed there were many ups and downs and I remember being called in by Pete to deal with some problem and knowing that he would be straighforward and blunt about what he needed, but also knowing that we would go have a margarita and he would laugh and tell jokes with us. I miss those afternoons.
I recently had lunch with Pete and he never let on that anything was wrong. He did give me some advice on business and life at that lunch. I appreciated his sincere caring thoughts and now it means even more to me that I can tell you.
God Bless you Pete, You will be missed greatly here on this side. Keep the Margaritas cold for us till we meet again!
I worked with Pete at Security Pacific for a number of years. I once asked him if he could make a change to the system to enable my project, and I told him I was in a hurry. Normally things took months to get done in the IT department. The next day, Pete came back and said, "I fixed it" and indeed he had. I asked him what he did and how it gone done so quickly. He replied with a grin, "You really don't want to know." And he was right, I didn't!
He was truly a guy that could say, "I did it my way." Be at peace big guy!
Aaron and Brian are two great athletes, but Pete, I have to say, was truly a great athletic supporter.
(I think he'd appreciate that joke - and pop me on the back of the head for it!)
All kidding aside, it was great to have him there at all of our crew races, in the good times and the bad. We will all miss him dearly.
My first contact with Pete was when a young kid moved to California (first time away from home in Ohio)to work on the SPIRIT project at Security Pacific. Pete and Jackie B quickly took me under their wing and taught me the way of CA life. I learned quick that a lot got done on the patio with the smokers and as Pete put it, me 'assuming the position' of an imaginary cigarette. He guided us through the lonnnngggg days of conversion and was always a smiling face.
For one of the conversion trips, he SENT me to Duluth MN in February - the DEAD of winter (they call it the DEAD for a reason). You can imagine, it was 60 below and by that time I had CA blood. I froze! When I got back, I told him to never send me there again! He did oblige!
Another time, we were celebrating a birthday milestone and Cindy had given us his favorite bowling shoes so we could make them into a trophy. You have to understand that we never knew if the shoes would stay on his feet during our Security Pacific leagues. The stitching at the back of the shoe holding the two sides together was only a memory. I'm not sure if he ever forgave us as he said they had a lot of good years left in them.
The last time I saw you was to introduce you to my current puppy that I was raising for Canine Companions for Independence. We had a wonderful time just chewing the fat. Your ever happy face will never be forgotten. Good luck organizing the angels!
Jackie Jelen, TX
When I worked in the SPFC home office for a couple years I found Pete, along with Jackie B and Linda B, to be the most helpful and knowledgeable people in the building. Pete was a joy you work with. I remember one time I commented that sometimes I wish I could take back a "send command" on our new system. Pete said, "Oh, you want an "oops key".
I have not seen Pete since leaving SPFC but my memories are clear and fond. He was a wonderful person.
He and his family are on my mind and in my prayers. God's speed Peter.
Pete was a remarkable person! I have many fond memories working with Pete over the years at Sec Pac and Accredited. Virtually every memory of Pete brings a smile to my face. He was fun to work with, to laugh with and sometimes to laugh at! I learned a great deal about the "IT" part of the finance business from Pete and that says something about who he was. Pete always found a way to get things done and always thought of the customer first. He will be missed by all of us who knew him. Thanks, Pete, for sharing your life with us.
WhenI first met Pete in San Diego,it was at a business meeting to solve a systems problem. Pete was the only person at the meeting that believed our problem could be solved.After the meeting I didn't know if we had a solution but I felt good.(he solved the problem) This was the first of many meetings with Pete over the years and even when I disagreed with Pete I left feeling good. Pete did that to you regardless of the situation. When I asked Pete for my first computer he got me one but said I wasn't allowed a keyboard. Being around Pete was always fun and good. We will all miss that great smile and hardy laugh. God Bless You Pete.
I too first met the amazing Pete Frank in the Wilds of San Diego, while working for Security Pacific on the dreaded Spirit project.
Pete and I solved many a technical problem at the 'French Gormet Cafe'!
We all miss you.
Simon Barrett
http://zzsimonb.blogspot.com
While we're all deeply saddened by this news, I consider myself more than blessed to have known Pete for so many years.
You can’t even say “Pete Frank” without smiling. Just thinking about working with Pete for so many years at Security Pacific, and reading so many of the other comments, brings back so many fond memories. He was one of the kindest and most genuine people in the world, with a contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor. It doesn’t take much for me to still see Pete, Jackie B and Kenny P. taking a break on the balcony…solving the problems of the world. And now…they’re all together again and probably still having a great time. You’ve touched so many lives Pete and will be missed by many.
I knew Pete from the Security Pacific days and remember the first meeting I had with him...Renzi introduce me to Pete and he said, "so what the f--k are you here for and what are you going to do for me!" For a first time meeting in our headquarters and a novice to Pete...I was stunned...of course this was followed by uncontrolled laughter as Renzi had set me up and Pete certainly did his part to put me in my place.
I remember Pete as a caring, can do person who offered assistance when others would not. Being a UCI graduate Pete hit me up for every raffle the crew team held...I never got tickets nor knew if the raffles were even held...but I kept giving every time he asked.
Pete was a true friend and I am very sad at the news of his passing. God bless you Pete Frank and thanks for being a part of my life...that I will never forget. You are already missed.
Larry Fisette
Pete helped us buy our first computer, and helped me understand what it was!!! I remember him explaining over an over again how to turn the darn thing on. I was in a fog for some time, but he had the pateints to get me through the ordeal.
We're very greatful to Pete, he helped us set up our business over fifteen years ago. It was in a time of many uncertainties, and with Petes knowledge and humer he got us through it.
Pete will always be in our thoughts.
Judy Dowler
Dear Pete,
Ahhhh, the final "beer thirty" my friend. Although I'm not surprised you bravely chose to keep your health struggles private, I am nonetheless so sorry not to have known. You were a delightful co-worker, a dear friend, a devoted husband and father of both your human children as well as your canine "children"! You had a gift to always find hope and see opportunity regardless how dark the circumstances were...or how unusual the solution may be! Two quotes come to mind for you Peter: "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell and "Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder." - Anonymous ;-)
God bless you Pete Frank, I'm so glad to have met you.
Jules
It’s hard to find words that describe Pete Frank. He was a wonderful collegiate, a friend and a mentor. I first meet Pete in 1987 at Sec Pac. I could tell when I meet him, he was a character. He was a VP of the company but yet was driving a very well worn Honda car (couldn’t even believe the thing made it up and down the freeway) – I thought the man a bit strange. But after time I soon realized what a brilliant, humorous, passionate person Pete really was. No matter how bad things got and the hours spent to fix things Pete always (well almost always) had that wonderful sense of humor and a drive that made us all want to work that much harder. Pete and I use set on my patio in San Diego, drink a bottle of wine and smoke a pack of cigarettes and solve many a problem on that patio. I’ve missed that since I left San Diego.
When I relocated to Atlanta occasionally I would get a call from Pete – ‘Rigatoni (his nickname for me??) saw a Little Debbie truck on the way to work and thought about you – how are things?’
The last time I saw Pete was a MBA conference here in Atlanta 3 or 4 years ago. We drink red wine one night and again smoked a pack a cigarettes and solved a lot of problems just like we did had done in the past – what a great time we had. The next morning we meet for breakfast and eat really greasy food to try to overcome the wine consumed the night prior. That's the last time I saw Pete. I still laugh about it- we weren’t as young as we use to be.
Pete, you are a wonderful friend and I’m going to miss you deeply but you will always be remembered and loved by all of us that you touched and influenced our lives during your too short life time.
Debby Riggs Hunt
Like all have said, I too did not know of Pete’s illness, and I am sad to see him leave this world. My condolences to his family!
I first met Pete while interviewing with Accredited Home Lenders. I am sure it will not surprise anyone that Pete and I hit it off well. (Pete got along with everyone). Unfortunately, the CFO at the time picked another candidate for the job. Two months later, Pete is calling me to see if I still wanted to work at AHL. Pete said, “The guy the CFO hired screwed up. Now, it’s my turn to hire the person, and I want you!” To say the least, Pete’s confidence in me made a huge impact on my life. Those years at AHL working for and with Pete were some of the best years of my professional career. I learned a lot from Pete (thank you), and he made working fun (as you all know). It was a pleasure knowing Pete!
In closing, I will just say: the next beer I have will be dedicated to Pete. I think he would like that…
Randy Larsen
During the memorial service for Pete yesterday, the times of fun, work and true loyal friendship flooded back to Tom & I.
Pete was very instrumental in the beginning of our romance. It was Jan 1988, the new computer system for Sec Pac was being introduced to the Branch Managers in Florida. SPIRIT (the true acronym - Sure Pete is Really Introducing Technology? -lol). He and TAGer(his nickname for Tom Geary) had been on the phone, when Tom asked Pete to find me - the LOOK I got from PETE is something I will never forget. Pete said "Do you know what you're getting into". Well that was 19 years ago & I have been so happy and lucky to have all the friends/love and honor of the SP Family.
We just recently lost some other dear friends, Steve Hennessey, Don Dressler and now Pete they are all together with Jackie Butlin planning the Heavenly SPIRIT project and you bet I'd be more than willing to travel again & teach the angels about the new system.
Teri McCartney
I have so many memories of Pete as I worked with him for 20 years starting back in 1972 at American Finance. One that really stands out is of Pete being a self-proclaimed “car expert.” He drove the beat up Honda mentioned above but decided that I needed the “hot” new car on the market, the PACER. We went car shopping one evening after work and found what he was sure was a great deal on a “slightly used” PACER at a GM dealership. The fact that the AMC PACER dealership across the road had the same model for considerably more money should have raised a red flag. But, he was sure that dealer was a thief and I drove home that shiny yellow, slightly used PACER from the GM lot. It did look sweet in the moonlight. But, in the light of the next day I realized that one side of the car was school bus yellow and the other was baby s--t yellow! Every Monday when I added power steering fluid or when it inevitably starting shaking at 60 mph I would thank Pete…
I still have the “Italian Meat Loaf” recipe which Pete concocted from leftovers one day before we went bowling in the AFC league.
Pete was such a shutterbug. You never knew when and where he and his candid camera where going to show up. He would talk film speed, lighting and lens qualities at nauseam. I still have pictures around my house that he shot. Thirty years ago he promised to blow up my prom picture slide in his dark room. I guess I’m not going to get it now.
I could go on and on but what really impressed me the most about Pete was his devotion to Cindy. He truly loved and respected her as a person which was rare in a spouse at that time. If you were there you know what I mean. I know Cindy does.
Dave and I both feel that we have lost one of the good guys. However, it is somewhat comforting to think the he, Jackie and KP are on heaven’s balcony having a smoke.
Cindy and the family, you have our deepest sympathy.
Sandy (Arnzen) Tollison and Dave Tollison
So many here have captured the essence of Pete in such detail. His strong work ethic, his unwaivering commitment to his family, his friendly face and focus on having fun. He certainly left an impression on me that has lasted 20 years. An impression that has shaped my work life since our first meeting.
I was fortunate enough to be brought to San Diego to interview for an Operations Analyst position as SPFC in 1987. Pete was one of 3 managers in Technical Services whom I had to convince I was the right candidate for them. And of course, his interview was the toughest. A test of endurance. I realize now, after 15+ years as a Project Manager, Pete simply wanted to be sure I was tough enough to withstand the pressures of the SPIRIT project. For his purposes and for mine.
It was after these interviews that I got the true picture of Pete's management style. The Technical Services managers (Corbin, Jackie, Linda, Pete) took the group of job candidates out for dinner that night. The drinks, laughs and good vibes flowed freely. And yes, it was another test that I must have passed. It also provided the best glimpse of what life on the SPIRIT project was going to be like. And what a thrill ride it was; hard work, many unknowns, and at times disappointment. But it was Pete's leadership, technical expertise, and team building that made my time at SPFC the most rewarding work experience of my life. He inspired the comaraderie that lifted all of us on SPIRIT to reach new heights and challenge ourselves to be the best we could be.
For it was Pete's faith in me that I remember most. He was a great teacher and wonderful friend. A friend for lifetime.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up, pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up." ECC 4:9-10
Pete, see you in heaven...drinks on me.
Beth (Moschini) Raffety
beth.a.raffety@att.com
I think I first met Pete back in 1979 when Pasadena and Silver Spring staffs moved to Scripps Ranch. But I really started working with him in 1981.
Pete was a very bright guy but also he was just so passionate and intense. To balance the smarts and seriousness, he had a terrific sense of humor and knew how to have fun. I remember we took a trip to Allentown, PA to look at the SPIRIT system. Traveling with Pete was an unforgettable experience.
Pete understood people too and taught me a few things for which I am grateful. Pete was always honest and candid. I trusted and respected Pete Frank. He was one of my favorite people at SPFC.
Pete, I learned a lot from you and will miss you.
- Harry
Hi Franks,
We know this time is hard, but Pete is in a better place and he is still with all of us in spirit.
Pete was our friend. I have known him, it seems, forever, and Pat has know him since our move to California. We shared many good times together, both our families. We shared the wonders of the Salton Sea???, the antics of "Gophy", the replanting of the Orange Tree, Brian's "good bee", Aaron's old "champagne bottle cork through the kitchen light fixture trick", many fun and yummy cookouts and lots and lots of good beer.
Our families were such friends that Peter & I, backyard neighbors, built a gate between our yards so that visiting would be quicker and more convenient.
Pete was Pete, always true to who he was and never acting under pretense and, if you needed him, he "had your back".
When thinking of Pete, I am reminded of a framed poem my Mom and Dad had hanging ever-present on the hallway wall.
"A friend is not a fellow who is taken in by sham
A freind is one who know our faults and doesn't give a damn"
That was Pete and we will miss him.
With our love,
Pat and Joe Roberts
We are really sad to hear of Pete's passing. We went to school with him in Vicenza, Italy back in the late 50's & early 60's. He was a good kid back then and we're sure he continued to be the rest of his life. The world is a sadder place when someone like him leaves, but Heaven brightens at his coming. Will remember him always.
Curtis & Janell
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