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HASENFRATZ, Frank Joseph

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Hasenfratz Frank photo

Frank Joseph Hasenfratz of Guelph Ontario, passed away on Saturday January 8th, 2022, surrounded by his beloved family, at nearly 87 years of age.  Frank was the much-loved husband of the late Margaret Hasenfratz, adored partner of Monika Szpejda, treasured father of Linda (Ed Newton) and Nancy (Mark Stoddart) and cherished grandfather of Katie, Emily, Tommy and Olivia Newton.  Born in Hungary in 1935, Frank arrived in Canada in 1957 a penniless refugee and was welcomed into his adoptive country with open arms, a practice he tirelessly advocated our governments to continue to do.  He arrived without means but with something more important, a skill.  As a certified machinist, Frank built a career and ultimately a company, Linamar Corporation, that today employs 26,000 people around the world, including 11,000 right here in Canada, many of whom are new immigrants to this country just as he was.  His unparalleled work ethic, piercing intelligence and great sense of humour were the recipe for a life filled with a loving family, many loyal friends and a strong and successful business.  Frank lived every moment of his life, treasuring his time with his family and his business both.  Frank is remembered as determined, results oriented and focused but even more so as a kind and caring man who always showed genuine interest and concern in the lives of his people, family, friends and associates.  He was a generous philanthropist supporting many cultural, health care and educational institutions.  He was a giant among us; a family man, a mentor, a leader.  He will be immeasurably missed by his family, the employees of Linamar, his community, his country and his industry.  The family would like to thank Dr. David Hood of Guelph & Dr. Frances Shepherd of Princess Margaret Hospital for their care of Frank during this illness.  We would also like to thank Dr. Jack Misterski and Dr. Doug Friars for years of support for Frank and the entire family.  Visitation will be held at Lakeside Church (7654 Conservation Rd.) in Guelph, Fri. Jan. 14th 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Sat. Jan. 15th at 1 p.m.  under the direction of GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, strict capacity limits, wearing of masks and proof of double vaccination for Covid-19 must be observed.  Accordingly, registration is required for both the visitation and the funeral ahead of time and can be accessed at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kA7v13ahKNU_XxLTQ1ZlmAo75-j7GlJEmCLvV88BJGM/edit?usp=sharing.  In addition, the funeral will be livestreamed for those who cannot join us in person.  Access to the live stream link can be found on the Linamar website, www.linamar.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Foundation of the Guelph General Hospital.  We invite you to leave your memories online at: www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family.

 



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