Obituary for Francis Louis "Frank" Menard
Francis Louis (Frank) Menard (91) of Parkdale, Oregon died on January 18th, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. Born in Hartford, CT on December 31, 1929 to Francis J. and Kathrine (Noreika) Menard, Frank lived in Windsor, CT until he was 18. Receiving his first pair of skis as a teenager led Frank to working on the ski patrol in Stowe, VT. After his discharge from the Army, Frank worked at Madison Fork Ranch in West Yellowstone, MT, and developed a lifelong affinity for Yellowstone National Park. Frank's love of skiing led him to work in Sun Valley, ID and in the Lake Tahoe area as a ski instructor before joining the US Forest Service. Frank earned two Associates degrees. He moved to Parkdale, OR with the USFS, allowing him to also teach skiing on winter weekends at Mt. Hood.
Frank’s passion for the mountains and nature led him to the notable accomplishment of climbing the 16 major Peaks of the Cascades with the Mazamas mountain climbing organization. Frank also honed a landscape photography hobby which lasted for over forty years. His talent for photography led him to membership in The Dallas and Hood River camera clubs, and he was also in the Elks Club. In addition, Frank was an Emergency Medical Technician and taught First Aid and CPR for the USFS and the Red Cross, and was a member of the Parkdale Fire Department. He led groups of children from the Hood River School District in outdoor education as a way to spread his love of nature through interpretive education.
He married the love of his life, Barbara Wilhelm, in 1973. He and Barbara traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada and had many adventures over the years, including many Yellowstone visits. His favorite activities included camping with his three children, Charlie, Joe and Mary Kay, who all grew up to love camping and hiking as a result. Frank's love of meeting people helped him to make friends wherever he went, and his loquasiousness created conversation and laughter that followed him everywhere. He will be remembered for his love of natural beauty and his ready humor.
Frank is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Wilhelm Menard of Parkdale; his son Joe and daughter-in-law Rosemary of San Dimas, CA; daughter MK and daughter-in-law Jane of Sacramento, CA; grandchildren Pierre and Clarissa of San Dimas, CA; Chantal (Steve) of Glendale, CA; Eric (Katie) of Junction City, OR; Margaret (Kate) and Isaac (Kelby) of Sacramento, CA; six great-grandchildren; brother, Gregory (Delores) Menard of Windsor, CT; sister Connie of Rocky Hill, CT; sister Marion (Vic) of Rocky Hill, CT; and 10 nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by his brother Joseph and son Charles I. Menard.
A memorial service will be held post-Covid 19 pandemic, with a gathering to follow. The family suggests memorial contributions go to Fish Food Bank, Yellowstone Forever or a charity of your choice. Donations may be made in Frank’s name and sent C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave. Hood River, OR 97031).
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Frank’s passion for the mountains and nature led him to the notable accomplishment of climbing the 16 major Peaks of the Cascades with the Mazamas mountain climbing organization. Frank also honed a landscape photography hobby which lasted for over forty years. His talent for photography led him to membership in The Dallas and Hood River camera clubs, and he was also in the Elks Club. In addition, Frank was an Emergency Medical Technician and taught First Aid and CPR for the USFS and the Red Cross, and was a member of the Parkdale Fire Department. He led groups of children from the Hood River School District in outdoor education as a way to spread his love of nature through interpretive education.
He married the love of his life, Barbara Wilhelm, in 1973. He and Barbara traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada and had many adventures over the years, including many Yellowstone visits. His favorite activities included camping with his three children, Charlie, Joe and Mary Kay, who all grew up to love camping and hiking as a result. Frank's love of meeting people helped him to make friends wherever he went, and his loquasiousness created conversation and laughter that followed him everywhere. He will be remembered for his love of natural beauty and his ready humor.
Frank is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Wilhelm Menard of Parkdale; his son Joe and daughter-in-law Rosemary of San Dimas, CA; daughter MK and daughter-in-law Jane of Sacramento, CA; grandchildren Pierre and Clarissa of San Dimas, CA; Chantal (Steve) of Glendale, CA; Eric (Katie) of Junction City, OR; Margaret (Kate) and Isaac (Kelby) of Sacramento, CA; six great-grandchildren; brother, Gregory (Delores) Menard of Windsor, CT; sister Connie of Rocky Hill, CT; sister Marion (Vic) of Rocky Hill, CT; and 10 nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by his brother Joseph and son Charles I. Menard.
A memorial service will be held post-Covid 19 pandemic, with a gathering to follow. The family suggests memorial contributions go to Fish Food Bank, Yellowstone Forever or a charity of your choice. Donations may be made in Frank’s name and sent C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave. Hood River, OR 97031).
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.