Frank A. Franich, 62, lifetime harborite, died Saturday, April 1, 2017, in Aberdeen after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Frank was born on Feb. 13, 1955, in Aberdeen to Andy Franich and Diana (Masnov) Franich. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1973, and attended Grays Harbor College.

Frank enjoyed hard work and joined the Laborer’s Union, working on the cooling towers at the Satsop Nuclear Plant. He later joined the International Longshoremen’s and Warehousemen’s Union (ILWU), Aberdeen Local 24, in 1979 during the wood products export boom, retiring from the docks in 2005.

Those closest to him knew him to be passionate about life and his progressive political views. He was extremely proud of his Croatian heritage. Frank was a member of the Croatian Lodge, and worked with local activists during the war in Croatia to help raise money for relief aid.

Frank is survived by his mother, Diana V. Franich of Aberdeen; his sister Jean M. (John) Larson of Pacific Beach, Wash.; a son, Andrew of Aberdeen; and two nephews: J.J. Larson of Long Beach, Calif., and Keegan Larson and wife Sarah of Jupiter, Fla.

Remembrances may be made to Harbor Home Health & Hospice, 201 Seventh Street, Hoquiam, WA 98550. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.