RICE Frank Joseph Rice passed away Sept. 6, 2009 at the Lacombe Hospital. He was born on Sept. 17, 1916 to Roy & Maude Rice. He lived in the Lacombe area all of his life, just 2 weeks shy of 93 years. Frank attended school at Woodynook, Spruceville & Olds College. After serving in the RCAF [Royal Canadian Air Force] as an airplane mechanic, he returned home to start his farming career, which lasted for more than 80 harvests. On December 31, 1943 he married Margaret Semple, from Alix. Together they proudly raised 3 children - Edward, Harvey & Sheila. Edward & Harvey have farmed with their father for many decades. This agricultural tradition continues with 3 grandsons who are currently involved in the Ag. Industry. Throughout his life Frank was involved in many community organizations such as the Lincoln Mutual Telephone Co., Fairview REA [Rural Electrical Assoc.], Junior FUA [Farmers Union of Alberta], Unifarm, Blindman Valley Shipping Assoc., Bentley Seed Plant, & he served 1 term as a delegate on the AB Pork Producers Marketing Board. In 1996 Frank was predeceased by his wife, Margaret; they were married for 53 years. Also by his eldest sister, Phyllis, & grandson, Ryan, who died on exactly the same day as his grandfather but 24 years earlier. Frank is lovingly survived by his sister Dorothy & her husband, Jim Clarke, of Edmonton, his children Edward [& Ann], Harvey [& Margie] and Sheila. In later years, Frank had a great passion for his grandchildren & great-grandchildren. They are Christy [& Alex] Wyse, Graeme [& Christina] Rice, Maria [& Paul] Myers, Gary Rice & Colin [& Nicole] Rice. He has 3 great-grandchildren: Madia Wyse, Elliott Wyse & Hudson Myers. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of 2 new babies this fall. As well Uncle Frank will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces & nephews. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff & residents of the Lacombe Lodge, & especially to his good friend, Mary Johnson, for all of their kind care & attention. If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donors choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to wfch@telusplanet.net subject (Rice). A service to celebrate Frank’s life will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 at 11:30 in St. Andrew’s United Church, 5226-51 Ave., Lacombe. WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, serving central Alberta with locations in Lacombe & Rimbey in charge of the arrangements. 403-782-3366 403-843-3388 "A Caring Family, Caring For Families" www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca