Frances Elaine (Franki) Craig (nee Whiteford)

Franki was born on a cold winter day in Olds Alberta, to Robert and Ina Whiteford.

When her father joined WWII, and with her mother working, Franki lived on the farm with her Grandfather, Ray ‘Popeye’ Anderson and grandparent families, with summers spent in BC, learning to swim in Okanagan Lake and English Bay.

Franki was a badass kid from an early age, but she eventually settled down to attend The University of Alberta in Edmonton, where she met and married the love of her life, Bob Craig. One November evening in 1962, Franki interrupted her term paper writing to give birth to their first son, Lorne.

The young family soon hit the road, living in Fishing Lake, then Toronto, Winfield, and Kelowna before returning to Calgary where Franki worked at the University of Calgary. In 1973, the Craigs’ second son, Joel was born, and as Bob transitioned from teacher to full time artist, Franki returned to school to earn her Master’s Degree in Environmental Design at U of C.

After moving to Whitehorse and then Edmonton, Franki worked with the Federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. Another move to Victoria coincided with Franki’s employment at the Province of BC, continuing her work with First Nations and Economic Development.

With her no-nonsense approach, utter lack of fear in the face of authority and her wisdom, Franki earned the respect of both her colleagues, and the First Nations they worked with.

Franki and Bob moved back to Vancouver to be closer to her grandson, Jaxon. From his earliest toddler days, Jaxon and Franki shared many adventures together. She also built a deep network of lifelong friends, whom she helped in so many ways with her experience, mentorship and generosity, sharing stories over a glass (or two) of wine at the Sylvia Hotel.

When Bob passed away in 2016, Franki lost her best friend and life partner, but not her stoic drive. She continued to be active, cleaning up local parks and enjoying Aquafit at the Second Beach pool.

As health issues challenged her in her later years the family surrounded her with care, and she was attended daily with great love by her son Joel, and the amazing team at St. Vincent’s Langara. Franki retained her sharp wit and intolerance of fools for as long as she could, saving a smile for bad jokes, listening to CBC radio and tapping toes to some of her favorite songs.

Franki is survived by her sons, Lorne (Spencer) and Joel (Evan), daughter-in-law Sharon (nee McMurchy) and grandson Jaxon (West Copernicus).

She will be remembered for her intelligence, wit, honesty and the love and loyalty she had for her family and friends.

Per her wishes, no service or viewing was held, and a celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers or cards, a donation in her honor can be made to a charity of your choice.

“These boots are made for walkin’ and that’s just what they’ll do…