Frank Slicker was born in Dublin on 18 June 1934 – but then again it could have been on 21 June. You see Frank was one of eleven children to parents Michael and Mary Slicker and it is quite likely that Mary lost track of exact birthdays. Needless to say Frank was quite content to have 2 birthdays each year. The Slicker family moved to Oldham in North West England when Frank was just a young boy. Of the eleven siblings 8 are still alive and sisters Margaret and Eileen are here today. When I asked how Frank got on at school there was considerable debate as whether Frank actually turned up. There are certainly no outstanding memories of times at St Ann’s Junior or St Mary’s Senior Schools. On leaving school Frank joined up in the Regular Army. On the first night away from home many of the newly recruited soldiers were in tears missing mum and family but Frank was rejoicing that he knew the clothes he took off the night before would not have been “borrowed” by one of his brothers. Frank was a very lucky man, especially when he met his wife to be, Barbara. Frank and Barbara had four children Sharon, Martin, Julie and the favourite Michael (He told me to say that!) Barbara died in September 1990 and as I said Frank was a very lucky man in that he found love again when he moved in with his partner Ann. Ann had know Frank on and off for many years. It was hard to establish a time when Ann formally agreed to share a house with Frank but it seemed to be when Martin’s wife thanked Ann for taking in Frank to release the house for a growing family. Ann was faced with a fait acompli and the start of 10 happy years of life together had begun. Frank spent 4 years in the army and served in Germany Japan and Hong Kong. He always said he found the cushiest of jobs including that of BatMan. When it came to ordering new shirts for the officer it wasn’t unknown for an extra shirt to find its way on to the list and to nobody’s surprise it fitted Frank perfectly. After the army Frank had several jobs including working at Ferranti but he finished up working for the United Friendly Insurance Company where he rose to become District Manager. Although not an active sportsman Frank took a great interest in many sports including football, rugby league and boxing. Frank had a great love of Horse Racing and there are many stories of Ann and Frank finding their way into the winner’s enclosure without a badge and after the gate was closed for the race. Frank had been known to place the occasional bet but there seem to be fewer stories of collecting any winnings. There has to be special thanks at this point to Carl who took on the role of Bookies Runner when Frank was too ill to leave the house. As I said earlier Frank had four children and there are 7 grandchildren. Sadly daughter Sharon and grandson Lewis can’t be here today but I am sure they will be checking the service on the website as soon as possible. Frank was a keen gardener and enjoyed making the necessary improvements that go with being keen. I did ask if Frank belonged to any clubs but the only ones anybody could think of were the working men’s clubs of Oldham and Rochdale. Frank didn’t need to look for friends – they found him, usually in a pub or club. In 2004 Frank and Ann bought their dream home here in Spain firstly as a holiday home and then in 2006 as their permanent home. If you were to visit Franks bedroom he would have told you the wardrobe was called “Oh Frank” This was because whenever he got ready for a night out the words “Oh Frank” resounded and Ann would say can’t you put something nicer on. Frank was much loved by all his family and hew will be sorely missed.