Bob Franke
Born October 17, 1948
Passed Away June 3, 2010

On June 3rd, 2010, a beloved member of our YWAM Tyler family went to be with the Lord. Bob Franke died after a short but courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind him a legacy that will endure for years to come.

Bob played a pivotal role on our maintenance crew, taking care of all manner of projects on the base. He was a larger-than-life character with a larger-than-life testimony, and his personality was one that attracted pretty much everyone. Decked out in his favourite work attire of shorts and sandals, he could be seen on a daily basis driving his white truck around the base, always waving at anyone he met. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him; indeed, many’s the time he was called upon to help some damsel in distress who had discovered a six-foot snake in her yard. Perhaps one of the funny things we will miss most is Bob’s trademark whoop of delight every time a Canadian was introduced at Family Night.

One of Bob’s passions was to raise up young people, especially those who had not had much of a chance in life. Bob was a champion of the underdog and took under his wing those whom no one else would. His vision was to run a Missions Trade School, teaching a multitude of trades to young people, taking them on outreach to do something constructive (literally), and seeing them empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. The first of these schools was just held in 2008, but it is our hope that Bob’s vision will be built upon and that the leadership mantle can be passed on.

YWAM Tyler is all the poorer for Bob’s passing, but heaven is a richer place, having gained a saint who touched innumerable lives with God’s love. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. He was also a friend to each one of us here. More than that, he was, and remains, a friend of God.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, sons and daughter, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren whom we all know and love. May you know the peace of God, which passes all understanding, in the days ahead.