William Frederik Frank

William (Wim) Frederik Frank of Barrington, NH, son of Gerardus Franciscus Frank and Lambertha Schut, died on June 15, 2004, at his residence. Wim Frank was born in Amsterdam in 1916. He studied at the Naval Academy and then as an Officer sailed for the Holland American Line to ports throughout Europe and to Indonesia, Barbados, the Azores, Trinidad, and Costa Rica, among other destinations. During WWII he fought in the Dutch underground where he met his wife, Johanna Petronella (Jonell) who was studying to be a nurse. After their marriage, Wim joined KLM Royal Dutch Airlines as a station manager. His work took him and his family to Africa and the Middle East. In 1957, the Franks moved with their three children to the United States where Wim worked as an industrial engineer in the Midwest. They moved to New Hampshire in 1981 and joined the Scruton Pond Farm community in Barrington. Wim was co-owner and a colorful fixture at the Café Petronella in Portsmouth. Wim was an accomplished painter of landscapes and marine subjects. He was a volunteer at the Prescott Parks Art Festival where he exhibited his work, and also a frequent volunteer at area nursing homes where he visited and gave art lessons. A lifelong reader and thinker, Wim was a weekly patron of the Barrington Public Library. In his 70’s, Wim became a Buddhist and was a regular participant at the Barrington Dharma Center practicing in both the Zen and Tibetan traditions. He enjoyed fishing and gardening with a particular interest in roses. Wim was also a member of the Veterans for Peace Movement in New Hampshire. Wim was loving and a generous man. He touched many people’s lives with his wit and good humor. He was an avid golfer whose antics became something of a legend at Nippo Lake Golf Course. He was always ready for life’s challenges, his motto being, “never be afraid.” Among his innumerable friends one of his best was his dog, Sunshine, who was his constant companion for many years. Wim is survived by his wife Johanna, son Gerrit-Jan and wife, Mireille, two daughters Marjan and husband Bailey Glidden, Hanna and partner Tim Beavis, grandson Eric Gold and wife Eva and great granddaughter Vanessa Gold. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Barrington Public Library, 39 Province Lane, Barrington, NH 03825 or The Barrington Dharma Center, 7 Lois Lane, Barrington, NH 03825.