We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Richard Franklin ‘Frank’ Krepps (Ret'd) of Red Deer, Alberta (formerly of Flin Flon, Manitoba), peacefully on 25 June 2021 at the age of 98 years. Frank was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War.
Frank was born in Brock SK and was one of six children. He enlisted for the Second World War in 1941 at the age of 17 years by giving his wrong age. After completing his sapper training with the Royal Canadian Engineers he became qualified as a Dispatch Rider. Frank served as a Dispatch Rider with B Company, 2nd Battalion RCE as his unit landed at Normandy and subsequently supported the Allied advance through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany.
After the war, Frank worked for the Hudson’s Bay Mining and Smelting Company in Flin Flon. Through the years, he resided in Flin Flon MB, Oliver BC, and Red Deer, AB. When Frank retired after thirty-five years, he and his wife Eleanor purchased a thirty-six foot motorhome and travelled throughout the United States. Golfing was a passion…as was camping, fishing and hunting.
Frank was a life-long member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was active in the Kindersley, Oliver and Red Deer branches in various positions. Frank was also a member of the Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit (CAV) family.
Frank was awarded the rank of Knight of Frances’ National Order of the Legion of Honour for his service during the Battle of France and he attended the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day in France.
A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held with an Honour Guard at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 35 (2810 Bremner Avenue, Red Deer) on Friday, 16 July 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be held at the Brock Cemetery in Brock SK on Sunday, 25 July 2021 at 12:00 p.m. The Honour Guard for the interment will meet at the Kindersley Legion at 11:00 am and then proceed to the Brock Cemetery for noon.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Frank’s honor may be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society at www.reddeerhospice.com or to Operation Smile Canada at www.operationsmile.ca . Condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
