Louis Francis Dolezsar

Louis Francis Dolezsar was born on the homestead near Yellow Creek, SK, on July 14, 1934. He passed away peacefully on October 13, 2021, at the age of 87 years. He is remembered and sadly missed by his wife, Vivian Dolezsar; children, Catherine Irving (Wilfred) of Penticton, BC, Robert Dolezsar of Osoyoos, BC, Patricia Dolezsar (Gord) of Okanagan Falls, BC; nine grandchildren, Mitchell, Daniel, Kevin, Dana, Kurtis, Melissa, Adrian, Paul, Nicole; seven great grandchildren, Colton, Aaryn, Charlotte, Finnley, Prairie, Adalina; as well as siblings Lydia Kuttas (Gerry) of Ocala, Florida, USA, Beverly Pasdernick of Surrey, BC, Linda MacLean (Cal) of Calgary, AB, and Esther Demmert (Kurt) of Middle Lake, SK. He is sadly predeceased by his mother Julia Will, Son Kenneth Dolezsar, great grandson Paxton Irving, great granddaughter Lily Irving, brother Herman Will and brother-in-law Vince Pasdernick.

Fran began his career as an ambulance driver where he met his wife, Vivian, at the University Hospital in Saskatoon. Shortly after their marriage in 1955, Fran began his photography career at the Saskatoon Research Station. His passion for it grew, then began a side job owning his own business booking many weddings, graduations, and portraits etc. He was always busy making extra money on the side to provide for his family. He was admired for his never-ending ability to fix things, work with his hands and acquire new skills. He loved the outdoors, always finding a new adventure and opportunity to take his family on camping and fishing trips. As his sons grew up, so did the excitement of teaching them to hunt and fish. He was known as the "sharp shooter" always bringing home game for his family and having a den full of trophies to show and stories to tell. He had a great love for Baseball, coaching and umping for many years. He was the Blue Jay's biggest fan. Several times, he took his family on an Okanagan Valley vacation, only to dream of ever living there. The dream came true after he accepted a transfer to the Summerland Research Station in 1974. His love for photography grew and eventually made it a full-time career adding projects like videographer for the Penticton Knights, then Vees, and photo restorations. With a move to Penticton in 1978, Summerland Candid Photos dissolved with the purchase of McDonald's Photography. He also developed the fine art of carpentry, specializing in cabinetry. It soon became a new passion and full-time career. One of his most memorable projects is the Barley Mill's bar top in Penticton and is still present there today. His love of life and people touched the lives of all who knew him. Fran had progressive health challenges and in February of this year, moved to Haven Hill with his wife, where he was well cared for. He developed pneumonia and was admitted to Penticton Hospital until his passing. A private family service will be held at a later date.