Obituary of FRANK DONALD CIELEN

FRANK DONALD CIELEN WINNIPEG FIRE DEPARTMENT - DEPUTY CHIEF RETIRED Passed into eternal life peacefully in the arms of his wife with family at his side, on July 2, 2013, at St. Boniface Hospital, where he was born on January 14, 1931. He is survived by his beloved wife Georgina and six children; Randy (Vicki), Corrine (Wayne), Kent (Irene), Marty (Carla), Bob (Pamela), James (Isabelle); ten grandchildren, Jean-Pierre (Carlyn), Dayna, Jacynthe, Michelle, Joshua, Brennan, Tyler, Kristofer, Jenesa, and William; sister Lorraine, brothers Ray (Elizabeth), and Larry, sisters-in-law Charlotte (Reg) and Debra (Sid); many nieces and nephews, especially Rena, Denny, and Elaine. Frank and Georgina celebrated 60 years of marriage on May 2, 2013 with all their children and families: "to love and then to part, is the greatest trial to the human heart". He attended Isaac Newton Sr. High School, Red River College and University of Manitoba. Prior to joining the Winnipeg Fire Department in 1957, he was a Journeyman Machinist at the Canadian Pacific Railway. He served on the Winnipeg Fire Department for 37 years, retiring as Deputy Chief of Operations in 1994. He had a distinguished career, serving with the Fire Rescue (22 years), served as Chief Fire Prevention Officer, as Deputy Chief of Support Services, and was a member of the National Fire Chiefs Association. Frank was as an ambassador for fire safety with weekly broadcasts on CJOB radio, and local educational television shows. He had been awarded the National Distinguished Service Medal. Following retirement, Frank was Chairman of the Provincial Building Standards Board. Frank’s relationship with local broadcasting dates back to the 1960’s working with CJOB promotions. He was active in athletics, participated in many sports, and promoted sporting for the development of youth in the North End. He was Scouter, with 116th CPAC, and 113th Christ Lutheran. His Scout teams won the Provincial Hesketh First Aid Trophy four years in a row under his leadership. He volunteered at many other organizations. Continuing Education was very important throughout his life. One of his most proud achievements: all his children graduated from university studies. He instilled the pursuit of knowledge and skills in his children and his grandchildren are following this path. He was a Life Member and a past President of the Canadian Polish Athletic Club, an Executive of the St John Cantius Fraternal Aid Society, and volunteered at St. Joseph’s Residence for many years. He valued his Polish and Danish heritage and had been a Mayor of the Krakow Polish Pavilion (Folklorama) and a member of the Folk Arts Council. The Canadian Polish Congress awarded the Gold Medal of Merit for promoting Polish Culture. Frank was a long time member of St. John Cantius parish as an altar server, choir member and pastoral council chair. At St. John Brebeuf church, he had been a choir member and attended mass faithfully. His faith enabled him to endure multiple medical problems. Frank was thankful for the years of care by many doctors, medical staff, caregivers, firefighters and paramedics and everyone who enriched his quality of life. Thank you to the physicians and nurses at the St. Boniface Hospital for their care. "I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me."- 2 Timothy 4:7-8. The memorial mass will be on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 11:00 am at St. John Brebeuf Parish (located between Grant & Corydon, Renfrew & Lanark). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. HE MADE A DIFFERENCE. DEO GRATIAS