A long-time community member, volunteer, leader, and friend of those in Weyburn; Elmer Franks passed away earlier this week. Born in Maidstone, Saskatchewan in 1934, Elmer grew up loving sports and volunteering, even starting out as a batboy for the local Maidstone Senior Baseball team before eventually playing with them.
In 1957, Elmer attended the North Battleford Beavers spring camp where he was then sent to Weyburn and played with the Weyburn Beavers from 1957 to 1964. After his playing career, Elmer then coached minor baseball throughout the province before returning to Weyburn with his wife, Frances, in 2003.
His love for sport and passion for volunteering never wavered, and when he returned, the Weyburn Beavers were non-existent. However, Elmer immediately got to work, not only reviving the Beavers but many other sporting organizations in Weyburn. Former broadcaster and long-time friend of Elmer’s, Jim Laing, explains Elmer’s passion and love for Weyburn sport.
“It was Weyburn that was always his home, and when he and Fran returned to Weyburn in 2003, he immediately got involved as the strong community volunteer he was. Helping the (Weyburn) Beavers baseball team to financial success, helping the Weyburn Golf Club pay off their debt by organizing the legacy golf tournament. An outstanding hard working community volunteer, who led the way in getting the job done.”
Elmer was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019 for his work in reviving the Weyburn Beavers. Garnet Hansen, president of the Weyburn Beavers, reflects on meeting the energetic and charismatic Elmer.
“I first met him probably in the early 2000s and he was one of the guys that was sort of integral in getting the team started again. I got to know him kind of through that process because I started getting involved at that time as well. I always really looked up to him in terms of the energy, the commitment. I don't know if there's too many people in Weyburn that have done as much for the city and sporting and everything involved, then Elmer Franks. Whether it's the Red Wings, the Golf Club or the Beavers, you name it. Yeah, he's a heck of a guy and he’ll be missed.”
His energy and love for sport and volunteerism made people in Weyburn magnetize to him. His charm and charisma led him to a successful career in automotive sales and consumer retail business. Laing recounts Frank’s ability to draw people in.
“Frankie had left Weyburn for many years and became very successful, using his people-friendly personality. People buy things from people they like, and Elmer was very much liked by many.” Hansen confirms this with his recollection of Elmer’s personality.
“Pretty much anybody that's involved in anything, knew Elmer, and he knew everybody. He was a salesman and that really shone over the years. He 100% remembered everybody’s name he met; he just had that way about him. When I started doing a little more of the marketing and the sales, people especially when they knew Elmer would say they'd just as soon deal with him. The people loved him.”
Elmer Franks was predeceased by his wife, Frances "Fran" Franks who he spent over 60 years of loving marriage with and had three children, Wade, Brent, and Taryl. A celebration of the life and times will be held in Weyburn later this spring.