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Originally printed on September 11, 2010 in the Shropshire Star.
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BELOK

Francis Conrad

Known as Frank

Died peacefully aged 90, on Monday, September 6, 2010.

Frank lived in Shrewsbury for 40 years but died, following a stroke, in Surrey, near to his Children.

Frank was born 1920 in Chorzow, Poland and moved to England in 1947, after excelling at Grammar School in Poland, rather than become a steel worker as was expected of him, he studied commerce and bookkeeping in Vienna as well as English which helped him on his way to England after the war. On reachingEngland he taught in various Polish Refugee schools during which time he also furthered his own studies. After taking A levels he then gained an Economics Degree at the London School of Economics. Education and qualifications were important to Frank and he then qualified as an accountant.

At a college dance he met Rita who was training to become a teacher and they married in 1953 and went on to have three Children, Paul, Andrea and Elizabeth.

Frank joined the ladies underwear company Silhouette straight from college and worked in their London office, rising through the ranks. In 1969 Frank and his Family moved to Shrewsbury where Frank took charge of the factory and went on to become Managing Director of Silhouette, which at the time was one of the largest employers in the town.

When Silhouette was taken over in 1979 Frank left the company. He subsequently bought and ran a nursing home in Birmingham as well as carrying out a number of other activities, including financial advice and lecturing.

He played a full role in the local business community, being a long standing and committed member of the Rotary Club in Shrewsbury (which had recently elected him as an honorary member). He was also involved with charity work and as a Governor of local schools, including the Royal College for the Blind which was based in Albrighton.

Apart from his Family and business, sport was a big part of Frank's life. As a young man he enjoyed skiing and played tennis with Rita. At Silhouette Frank wasa keen table tennis player but his real passion was golf, which he played and practised as often as he could at both Hawkstone Park and Shrewsbury Golf Clubs. He continued playing until just a few years ago, in spite of failing eyesight, which proved interesting for other players at times!

Frank regularly kept in touch with Family and Friends in Poland, London and throughout the world and was a keen traveller with a boundless thirst for knowledge. In particular he had an enduring love of history and anamazing memory for details and facts. He also appreciated classical music and opera, attending many recitals, once even appearing in an opera in Verona!

He was a staunch Catholic, attending Mass regularly at the Cathedral and his faith gave him great strength and helped him throughout his life, particularly when Rita sadly died of Cancer in 1985, aged 53.

Frank thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his Children and his six Grandchildren and took great interest in their activities and achievements, they will all miss him greatly.

An inspirational, driven and modest man.

The Funeral Service will take place at Shrewsbury Catholic Cathedral, Town Walls, at 12.15pm, on Monday, September 20.

No flowers please but donations to MacmillanCancer Support.