Frank Joseph Desbiens

Frank Joseph Desbiens, age 87, peacefully passed away on March 9, 2022 in the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, with family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Lena Desbiens. They shared 67 wonderful years of marriage together.
 
Frank was born on August 15, 1934 in Chapleau, Ontario and raised in Dalton, Ontario, the first son of Alvina and Raymond Desbiens. He lived in Dalton until he was 16 years old, then moved to Sultan, Ontario. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lena. They were married on August 14, 1954 and had 5 children.
 
Frank was the ultimate jack-of-all-trades. In his early days he worked in the sawmill as a young boy, and spent time out on the trap-line and hunting. He also spent years working throughout northwestern Ontario, including a time as a prospector, a prison guard, a lumberjack as well as time in the Air Force. After moving to Thunder Bay in 1971, “Brother Frankie” discovered his true calling- preaching the Word of God. He would often be found volunteering at the Salvation Army, helping the less fortunate on the streets, and ministering in his sack-clothes around the city. He also took trips down to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and many trips to Trinidad to preach the gospel. He will be remembered fondly by his church family in Thunder Bay, and in Glenwood City and Ladysmith, Wisconsin.
 
Frank is survived by Lena (nee Barnes), his siblings Linda, Wallace and Lorraine, and children and grandchildren Albert (Leisha and Arlie), Cindy (Vic, Samantha and Victor), Joan (Don, Joyce, Sarah, Rachel, Andrew), and Darlene (Grant, Tyler, Jordan, Bryan, Angela), as well as his 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Alvina and Raymond, siblings Jean, Marina, Raymond, Eric and Alex, and infant daughter Joyce.
 
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, presided by John Ranta, with visitation to begin one hour prior. Private interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery. No advance registration to attend nor vaccination proof is required. Masks are still mandatory.
 
As expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Food Bank would be appreciated in Frank’s memory.