Passed away peacefully in his sleep at LHSC – Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the age of 75. Beloved husband and best friend of Patricia (Byrnes) Palen for 52 years. Cherished Dad of Shari Lee Palen, and Kristie Ann Palen. Adored Papa of Jada Frances Marie Palen. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Ruthanne and Otto Boka, Ken and Sally Palen, Mike and Cheryl Palen, Tom and Wendy Palen, John and Nancy Byrnes, Norma and Rene Verkest, and Robert “Bob” and Beth Byrnes. Frank will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his parents Earl and Anna (VanHeukelom) Palen and parents-in-law John “Mac” and Cora (Lewis) Brynes.
Frank was a cherished member of the Exeter, Grand Bend, and Stratford communities, generously dedicating his time to numerous organizations and committees. Known for his skill as a speaker, he captivated many with his thoughtful words and dry sense of humor. His deep love for his animals and his quiet, heartfelt presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, Exeter on Wednesday, April 16th from 2 – 5 PM, with words of remembrance starting at 3 PM. Cremation has taken place. A private graveside service for family and close friends will be held at a later date at Rosanna Cemetery, Tillsonburg.
Donations to Diabetes Canada, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or CMHA – Huron Perth would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Rob Marshall
Pat, Shari and Kristie I’m sorry to hear Frank had passed on. Frank was one of a kind and will be greatly missed! Frank and I went on a few business trips and I had a blast. Pat I can honestly say Frank loved you with utmost devotion we had many years to chat about our lives and you were the love of his life. I’m not forgetting Shari and Kristie dad was proud of his girls and you were in many conversations as well. May Frank rest in peace.
Mickie Struyke-Laurin
Pat, Sherrie and Kristie So so sorry for your loss. I have a wonderful memory to share, …Frank was some one who I never forgot. From the day we met when Pat and I worked at Darlings it was Frank and I who had an inside joke. When I met Frank first time I mistakenly heard his name and called him Fred ..well Frank being Frank started calling me Mary and from then on our greeting was exactly that. I am sure those who knew us thought we both had memory glitches but we knew better. Always made my day. Rest in Peace Fred hugs rom Mary..
Lisa VanHeukelom
My sincere condolences to the entire Palen family. May he live on in your wonderful memories with Frank
Huron Manufacturing Association
On behalf of the Huron Manufacturing Association, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Frank Palen.
Frank was an instrumental member of our association, a dedicated advocate for manufacturing in our region, and a valued friend to many. His passion, leadership, and unwavering support played a significant role in the success and growth of our organization.
Frank’s contributions will leave a lasting legacy, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to work with him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Mark Heimrich
Pat & family and all the Palen family;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Frank. I have many good memories of some great chats with Frank over the years. Usually at a Chamber of Commerce function or any number of other events. He was an accomplished and knowledgeable conversationalist, on several topics. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich
Dana Davidson
Kristie and family,
Loss leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Luke & Jean Mommersteeg
Sending our deepest condolences. Keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Debra Marcy
Hi Pat and girls. So sorry to hear this sad sad news. I think of our time together on Manitoulin Island often. I won’t be able to make it to the funeral tomorrow, but know that I and my family, will be thinking about you, and your family tomorrow. Take one step at a time my dear friend.
Tony /Marlene Bedard.
To all of Franks family..we are so saddened to hear of his passing .. we will hold many memories of his family ….and fun in our hearts forever.!!!
Julie Rollings
Pat, Shari, Kristie, and Jada,
So very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing.
May his memories warm your heart and and bring you comfort and peace.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Heather Davidson Becker
Pat & Palen Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Frank was always a voice of reason, with quick wit and dry humour. His love of Family has always been evident at the family picnics or his visits to Marmora or Gravenhurst. We will all miss him & will think of him fondly. Our sincere condolences.
Christine Roose
Ken, Sally and all the family our condolences for your loss.
Lesley Tronkoe
Pat, Shari and Kristie, my deepest condolences to and families.
Jeremy Becker
Sincere Condolences to the Palen Family.
Tammy
Pat, Shari & Kristy…so very sorry to hear about Frank! Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathies!!
Tammy & Steve Bibby
Rick and Anne Van Heukelom
Our sincere condolences to the entire Palen family for your Loss. May the Lord bring peace and comfort to all.
Kay Tripp
My condolences to the Palen Families.
Jim, Betty, Jeff and Jenni De Block
Pat, Shari, Kristie and Jada and family, so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing.
Betty, Jeff, Jenni and I will miss Frank’s honesty, caring for life, his quick dry sense of humor but most of all, his friendship. We go back a long way to our days together where our families would meet and spend time sharing and caring at the Ontario Pork Congress (OPC). Frank was always ready for a challenge, becoming the Chairman of the OPC was one of those. Frank was a man that you enjoyed being with and just sharing a laugh or two. Frank will forever be remembered and cherished as a life long buddy.
Stephen Thomas
Sincere condolences to the family. Such a lovely cheerful man with a good sense of humour . Memories of Pork Congress and his regimental style of organization always with a little grin on his face .
Pauline Miller
Dear Pat & family.
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Frank. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this very sad & most difficult time.🙏🏻
Sincerely Pauline Miller
Deb & Mike Hunter
We were so saddened to hear the news of Frank’s passing. We send our sincere condolences to the Palen families. Our thoughts are with you as you navigate this sad time.
Jim&Lori Dietrich&Family
Our deepest sympathies so very sorry for your loss.
Patti Stanley and Ross Alexander
Pat and family.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family.
Tim Colley
So sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. Pat Kristie, Sherri and Jayda my thoughts are with you, and all your family. I can’t recall ever having a conversation with Frank without him speaking proudly about his family at some point….. I will miss those conversations.
Tim Colley
Tyson
Ken, Sally and family. Sincere condolences on the passing of Frank!
Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family
Dear: Pat, Shari, Kristie & Jada; Palen / Brynes Families / Friends . . .
There are no words to ease the pain of losing a loved one no matter the age. We offer our sincerest condolences to all of you during this immensely sad time with the passing of Frank. 💔 His departure from your lives will leave an immeasurable void in your hearts, but know he loved his family & friends unconditionally. 🙏🏻 Please know that we care & share in your sadness, we have lost a wonderful Crediton neighbour. We always enjoyed our chats with Frank – he was a one-of-a-kind great guy. Frank’s memory will forever live on, in the stories, laughter & love you share as a family & may they heal your hearts & brings smiles through your tears. 🙏🏻❤️
❤️ “Don’t cry because I’m gone; Smile brightly because I lived.” ❤️
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all as you gather to mourn, grieve & celebrate Frank’s incredible life. May you find strength in each other now & in the difficult days ahead. God Bless You❤️🙏🏻❤️
💞Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family (Crediton) 💞
Claudine Ghesquiere
To the Palen Family
As you don’t know me my husband Ron played soccer with Frank early 1970’s. That is when I got to know Frank. There is many memories during that time when they played.
My Deepest Sympathy to the Family. RIP Frank 🙏
Shirley Southcott / Harry Plantenga
Pat, Shari, Kristie and Jada,
Our deepest condolences to all of you. We were so sad to hear of Franks passing. He was always such a happy go lucky guy. He will be greatly missed. Keep your memories close to your heart. RIP Frank.
Keith & Dianne Ahrens
Pat and Family:
So sorry to hear of Franks passing. Please know our
Thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this
Sad and difficult time. RIP Frank
Hugs to all
Keith & Dianne Ahrens
Peter and Carolyn Mathonia
So sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers go out to Patricia and the Palen family.
Hilrita Arts
Ken and Family members:
Sorry to hear of Franks passing.
May your memories get you through this difficult time.
Talk often of him and he’ll never be far away.
John and Hilrita Arts and Families
ARTS FARMS LTD
Margaret Watt
Pat and Family
I’m sorry to hear of Franks passing. Whenever Frank stopped by the Lucan Bowling Lanes or our Home for a visit ,he left making our day a little brighter. Cherish your memories
Margaret Watt
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich.
JAN M BARNES
Pat, Shari, Kristie and Jada, Palen family,
I was so suprised to hear of Frank’s death. Pat, you and he were such a bright spot in our adventures. My home will always be here for you if you wish to get away. It is a tough road ahead. Stay strong.
I am in Nova Scotia now.
Teri Lamb
Pat, Shari & Kristie,
My deepest condolences, love and hugs to you at this difficult time.
Teri
John and Betty Crowley
We are so sorry to hear of Franks’s passing. We will always cherish the good times and memories we shared at the OPC. We had many laughs together and celebrated many birthdays. Rest in peace Frank
Rose & Randy Harrigan
Pat, Shari & Kristie
Sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. Our sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Tom Prout
To the Palen Family
I always enjoyed Frank’s participation, comments, humour and stories. We much appreciated his support of the Sunset Community Foundation and the South Huron Community Fund. Sincerest condolences! May the memories live on in you mind and your hearts.
George and Sue Wilson
Pat, Shari, Kristie and Jada, Palen family, heartfelt condolences on Frank’s passing. He was always friendly, had a dry sense of humour, and liked to tease everyone. We enjoyed our chats with Frank. Cherish your precious memories. Hugs and prayers.
Greg and Mary Colley
To the family. We are deeply saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Maureen Cole
Fond memories of Frank working diligently, creating bylaws for the South Huron Community Fund, with no need to identify all the work he put into it. That’s just the kind of guy he was!
Bill &Joanne Hodge
Pat and Family Deepest condolences to all.Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Deb Campbell
To Pat and family:
Very sorry to read this news of Frank’s passing. He will be missed. I know there are many many family memories and I hope you find comfort in those. I learned much from Frank when I worked in the pork industry and yes, I had many experiences with that dry sense of humour that Frank possessed and shared.
Wayne and Gerry Brunzlow
So very sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to the entire family.
Elaine Corbett
My deepest sympathies to Pat and family! Cherish your memories to help you through the days ahead!
Scott and Arlene Thomson and family
Dear Pat and Family
Sending sincere condolences to the entire family.
Heather Colley
Dear Pat and family:
I’m so sorry for your loss. Family was very important to Frank, so I hope your fond memories of your family times comforts you now. May God’s grace and peace surround you all.
Pete and Deb Timmermans
Sending sincere condolences to the entire family….
Jed Chinneck
Deepest condolences to Pat, girls and extended family.
The Frankster will be missed.
i have had a special bond with Frank for more than 44 years and i know few as genuine, caring and trustworthy as him.
RIP old friend – we will catch up when its my time to join you (and until then memories of you and your silly cards and jokes will be ever with me)
Brenda Morgan
Pat and girls,, I am so sorry to read about Franks passing. He certainly was one of a kind,, always up for a chat when ever I ran into him. Full of laughter, and words of wisdom.. he was always an interesting person to speak to. I always walked away with a smile on my face after talking to Frank,, he was just that kind of guy. I can’t begin to imagine the huge void in your lives that his passing is going to have. You are all in my thoughts during this incredible emotional time .. hugs.
Marilyn Hicks
My deepest condolences pat to you and your family
Jeff and Abby Hannah
Very sorry for your loss.
Tina Riley-Ankers
Patricia Shari, Kristie and family.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news about Frank’s passing. Thinking of all of you and sending prayers
Brad, Tina and family
Ms. Dale Grant
Patricia, Shari Lee and Kristie Ann & Family
My deepest condolences. Frank was a great man, always friendly and joking. He will be missed.
Dale
Tom and Barb McInroy
So sorry to hear the sad news of Frank’s passing. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family. Frank will be missed greatly by all that knew him. He was always glad to see you and was always open for a good visit. May he RIP.
Alex Westman
My sincere condolences to Shari and the family
Ron & Sandra Dickert
Pat Sherrie Kristie and families we are so saddened to hear of Frank’s passing he was a great guy and truly one of a kind .Many good times bowling with him and having him as our coach in the Open in Hamilton he will be missed. Frank always had time to chat when we ran into each other. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all RIP Frank Ron and Sandra Dickert