Obituary of Frank E. Rymarchuk, W.O. Retd, M.M.M.

FRANK E. RYMARCHUK,

W. O. Retd, M.M.M.

On the eve of Remembrance Day, Nov 10th, 2025, FRANK EDWARD RYMARCHUK passed away peacefully at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital at the age of 89, with his loving family by his side. Frank was a first generation Canadian, born to immigrant parents, Nicholas and Christina Rymarchuk, on July 30th, 1936 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. He could easily be described as perhaps the most unique person you would ever meet.

At age 14, he moved away to Ontario to live with his sister and at 17 fulfilled his dream by playing Jr. B. for the Waterloo Siskins in the Ontario Jr. Hockey League. During that same year, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, as a private in the Armored Corps.

His years of military service truly defined his life. Postings to Calgary, Egypt, Petawawa, Germany (2x), and Gagetown allowed this young boy from a small town in the Prairies to travel throughout the world. During these postings, he was a tank gunner, a helicopter observer and camp Sergent Major (Petersville). While stationed in Calgary, he met Jo-Ann Goodine, herself the daughter of a Military Veteran and they were married on Dec 17th, 1960.

In 1988, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Peacekeeping forces of the United Nations who reduce tensions where a peace treaty is needed. Frank was one of those peacekeepers, having served in the Sinai Peninsula for one year (1961) and wearing the blue beret. In 2024, the province of N.B. acknowledged this accomplishment, and he thus became officially a Nobel Prize laureate.

In 1990, Frank received one of the Country’s highest honours: The Member of the Order of Military Merit (MMM). This distinguished honour was bestowed upon him by the Governor General of Canada, Jeanne Sauvé. Appointment to the rank of MMM is for recognition of meritorious military service and demonstration of leadership in duties of great responsibility.

Frank was a tremendous athlete. He competed as a featherweight boxer, a hockey player, a referee, and was the CFB Gagetown Ping Pong champion. Hockey however was his favourite sport and he was a lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan. He was also an avid gardener, and loved to share the harvest with family, friends and neighbours.

A life changing moment occurred in Frank’s life in 1975. Struggling with alcohol and at a crossroad, he was introduced to Jesus Christ and became a Christian. He started teaching Sunday School and for the next 50 years of his life devoted himself to the Gospel. He will be forever known as “Mr. Quizzing” in the Atlantic District, United Pentecostal Church, which he and Joan were members of for over 45 years. As a quiz coach he travelled throughout North America and was awarded coach of the year for his efforts.

In 1990, following his mandatory retirement from the military, Frank was hired at Kent Building Supply as a customer service representative. This unique, engaging and energetic former soldier worked at the store for 25 years, welcoming customers at the door and earning praise for his exemplary work ethic. In the end, he had 109 stars to his name, each representing a customer who wrote in a letter of recommendation.

Frank will be fondly remembered by his loving wife Jo-Ann of almost 65 years; his children, Cheryl (Anthony), Lori-Ann (Richard) and Derek (Shelly); his grandchildren, Justin (Amber), Heidi (Rob), Aimee (Johnny), Jacob (Monalisa), Marie Joanne (Mark), Devon (Rachel), Luke (Jennika), Kristen (Nathan), and 7 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Joe and sister, Elsie.

The Rymarchuk family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the gracious doctors, nurses and support workers at both the Horizons Veteran's Health Unit and the DECRH for their incredible care.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Capital Community Church in Fredericton, NB, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. There will be a second short viewing at 10 a.m. before the service at Capital Community Church on Friday, November 21, 2025, with the service in his memory beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. He will later be interred privately at the Oromocto Pioneer Gardens Cemetery in the Field of Honour. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SAVE OUR CHILDREN UPC. For those unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available at www.capitalcommunity.tv