Frank, Harley

HARLEY GREGORY FRANK "A'tsis'tomahka- Running Rabbit", of the Blood Tribe, beloved husband of Lois Frank, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 74 years.

Harley was born to Wilton and Rita Frank on the Blood Reserve, where he grew up. Harley was married to Lois for over 50 years. Harley is survived by his sons, James, Kenneth and Michael (Ariane). He is predeceased by his daughter, Karly. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Riley, Thomas, Jack, Orion, Tayden, Maxximus, Kassy, Avyannah and Bella, as well as his great grandson, Elias. He is also survived by his brothers, Randy (Anna), Kelly (Sharon), Phillip (Sheila), Brian (Mary Pat), Colin (Vanessa), Vern (Stephanie) and Robert (Traci). He is predeceased by his sister, Charlene (Edward). He is predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wallace and Helen. He is survived by his brothers-in-law, Wallace, Maurice, and Anthony, and sisters-in-law, Crystal, Doreen and Mary Ann. He is predeceased by his sister-in-law, Delores. Harley has many relatives throughout the Blackfoot Nations including the Running Rabbits, Doores, Spring Chiefs, and Duck Chiefs as well as many families from the Siksika Nation.

He attended the St. Mary's Indian Residential School, Spring Coulee elementary school and Magrath high school. Harley played basketball with the Magrath Zeniths, and he led the team to a Provincial Championship. Starting in 1973, Harley attended Lethbridge Community College in the Business Administration program. While there, he played basketball for the Lethbridge Kodiaks and won the Western Canadian Championship. Starting in 1983, Harley attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah earning a Bachelor of Science in Agri-business.

He was responsible for many successful business training programs, farming programs, and economic development initiatives. Harley was also known for his expertise in Blackfoot culture and language. Starting in 1987, Harley was the General Manager for the Alberta Indian Agri-business Corp. in Calgary, AB. In 1992, he was the General Manager of Frank & Associates Training in Calgary, AB, during which time he received a Ministerial Appointment to work on the Canadian Aboriginal Economic Development strategy. With great honor and after having been asked to serve by Kainaiwa Elders, in 1992, Harley was elected to serve as the Chief of the Blood Tribe. One of his memorable accomplishments as Chief was repatriating the buffalo to their traditional lands. In 1993, Harley was appointed as the Director of the Blood Tribe Economic Development Department in Standoff, AB. After his political service and keeping true to his farming roots, Harley became a Grain Buyer and Foreman for Transfeeder Farms. Once again, Harley was asked by Kainaiwa Elders to serve public office, and after running, he was elected as a Councillor on the Blood Tribe Chief and Council. During this time, Harley was also appointed as the Chairman of the Blood Tribe Agricultural Sector, Chairman of the Blood Tribe Land Department, President of Kainai Resources Inc., President of the Blood Tribe Agriculture Projects, and Chairman of the Blood Tribe Economic Development. After serving his term in political office, farming called him again and he became a Farm Equipment Operator for Ben Walter's Farm Operation.

A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. W, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.

Following the Funeral Mass, Harley will be laid to rest in the Spring Coulee Cemetery.

In memory of Harley Frank, flowers are gratefully declined, but donations and condolences may be sent to his son, Mike Frank, at mike.frank2@gmail.com