Born October 27, 1974 in Winnipeg Manitoba – Passed away June 1, 2020 in Victoria BC
Kenneth and Cheryl Franks were your typical young married couple in love working on their future together. In the early morning hours of October 27, 1974 they became a family joined by their most precious gift of a baby boy whom we named Dustin. During his young years, Dustin was a typical young boy, busy, loud, and into everything. But we soon came to learn that he was more, he was a kind considerate and thoughtful child. When he attended daycare he always looked out for the younger children making sure they had something to play with and were safe. We were asked how many siblings does he have as he shared everything with others. When he was a little older he would attend summer camp the camp leaders wanted him to join their ranks as even here his love of others showed his gift of love and caring. As with most teens, there were days where you would say to yourself who are you but never did he stop loving his parents and family, they always came first. Around the age of 17, a dark cloud moved in to consume his life. His parents spent 10 years working with him and other outreach workers in an attempt to bring joy back into his life. It was not until he was 28 before they were finally and successfully had a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. Dustin spent so many years living in fear and battling the dark demons that haunted him every day. Even with all this in his life, he kept close contact with his mom and dad and spent most every Sunday around the family table as well as sharing all special occasions with family and friends. Most days he worked hard at trying to be what we call normal, with the occasional smile and loving words and always with hugs. The years pass by and although living on his own as best as he could those demons from time to time would make an appearance. His parents did everything they could to assist with his living standards and look for resources that should be there for him. Given all he was going through there were promises of assistance but the system failed him never following up or just passing him off. In his last days, he asked his parents for help and they took him to the hospital only to find him released in one hour. Later, he took himself to the hospital by ambulance asking for help and once more released after a short time. By days end it was apparent that his needs were great so he reached out to be taken in. His one week stay helped him to start becoming more stable but with COVID and other pressures he was released; far too soon. On the day he was released his parents took him home where he wanted to be. He was happy and OK and excited to have the promise of help and support. Later that day Dustin sent an email to his parents where he shared that he was looking forward to the future with hope and optimism.
Dustin leaves behind his Mom and Dad, His Aunt Val & Uncle Marcy, Aunt Marj & Uncle Ken, Uncle Tom, Uncle David and Aunt Tammy, Uncle Gerry, Uncle Don and Aunt Joan, and several cousins. He was predeceased by his Grandparents Edna and Alex Paterson, Lillian and Alan Franks and his Aunt Sharon. These family members are there to welcome and watch over him.
To our Son Dustin you have always been in our thoughts and hearts and will always be. We will meet again with open arms to embrace the lovely man that you truly are.
Donations to the Victoria Schizophrenia Society in memory of Dustin would be welcome.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Garth (Gary) and Kathleen
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Jodi Noble Cheryl and Ken, I am so saddened to hear this news. There are no words to express the sorrow I know you feel and that we all feel for the loss of Dustin. May he Rest In Peace knowing he is with family and free of turmoil in this crazy chaotic world. Cherish the wonderful memories of all the years you got to share together. Blessings and prayers to you both.
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Hazel Meredith Mr and Mrs Franks and family, On behalf of the Victoria Schizophrenia Society (now known as Mental Health Recovery Partners South Island (www.mhrp.ca) we would like to express our sincerest condolences for the loss of Dustin. I read the obituary and my eyes filled with tears at the journey experienced by your son and you as family. It is not one in isolation and we strive to make journeys easier. On behalf of all of my board, staff and volunteers, we will continue to do our best to improve systems of care. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time. Hazel Meredith, CEO MHRP South Island
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Ruth Paradice Please accept my deepest condolences in your loss. I have never met Dustin but I am honoured to get to know him through your words as the lovely young man that he was. I know your pain very well and hope that it helps that others tears are falling with you and for you.
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Carl Stovel Dear Cheryl and Ken Franks,
I did not have the pleasure of meeting you or your son, Dustin. I am a retired psychiatrist in Victoria who also started life in good old friendly Winnipeg. On behalf of the current atrocious, incompetent, uncaring and frankly dangerous psychiatric treatment system, I feel deeply ashamed. You and Dustin and many other families deserve so much better.
I agree with Brenda Ferguson’s compassionate comments above except to say that patients with mental illness are not served by referring to someone’s mental health. This trivializes and stigmatizes those with lifelong brain illness.
I am also so sorry, Carl Stovel
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Jill Walker We are so sorry for your loss. I had seen Dustin walking around quite often. We are old neighbors of yours at 991 Lucas Avenue.
David and Jill Walker
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Mike and Trudy Briggs We are so very sorry for your loss and can understand the terrible pain of losing a child. We hope you can find peace again knowing you did everything you could do at the time.
Sending hugs
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Dina I have many fond memories of good times with my cousin Dustin. He loved playing Mastermind and swimming in the pool with my brother and I at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. I’m so glad we got to see him on a visit to Victoria and will always remember him with a big smile on his face and as the “big kid” who taught me Doo Wah Diddy among other of his favourite songs.
Sending love and virtual hugs out to you now as you say goodbye to Dustin.
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Val and Marcy Beaucage We remember when Dustin was our cute little ring bearer at our wedding He was about five years old all decked out in his little white suit jacket and when we were married he asked “now can I call you uncle Marcy?” That’s just one precious memory both Marcy and I have of him. We looked through the old pictures of him smiling and having fun swimming in the pool and camping and at Christmas to name a few more memories as well as when we visited in Victoria when he was an adult . We know you have many happy memories of Dustin to help ease the pain that can be felt across the miles. He will live on in all of our hearts forever Love Dustin’s Auntie Val and Uncle Marcy Winnipeg
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Brenda Ferguson Dear Ken and Cheryl being friends for some time I knew of Dustins struggles and having my own health issues for some time now I k ow how badly the health care system is failing us especially those with mental health issues…its pathetic and beyond accepptable and they should have seen his need and kept him in…he tried you tried and bow here we are I am so sorry
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Len and Gloria Ken and Cheryl. Your notice in McCall’s register touches the heart. Our tears are with you.
Ken and Cheryl we are saddened to learn of the passing of Dustin. May you have some comfort in the fact his struggles are over. Cherish the time you had with him and the love you gave him.