Loved ones will be at Frank’s funeral

7:30pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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FRANK Gelston will finally get the funeral he deserves.

His friends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Upper Stratton appealed for Frank’s relatives to come forward so that the Great Western Hospital would release his body after his death.

I have spoken to -his daughter. She -has asked me to carry -on making the arrangements

John Smutek

A funeral for former Toothill delivery driver Frank will be held on Friday.

Esme Stafford, Frank’s companion of three years, said yesterday she was pleased Frank could finally be laid to rest.

“I want all his friends to know it is his funeral, so that no one feels left out,” said Esme, who spent weeks at Frank’s bedside while he was in hospital with a chest complaint.

John Smutek, who met Frank through the Highworth Road church around 10 years ago, said Frank’s daughter Caroline, with whom he had not been in contact for several years prior to his death, had got in touch with him after the Advertiser published the appeal for help last week.

“I have spoken to his daughter Caroline,” said John.

“But I think she had two half sisters and a brother who I have not heard from. It is a shame really.

“She has asked me to carry on making the arrangements. His body has now been taken from the hospital by Hilliers.

“Caroline will be coming down from Reading on Thursday to check his things at the flat and come to the funeral.

“She is from Reading. A friend of Frank’s read the story in the Advertiser and got in touch with her.

“He knew Frank had a daughter in Reading and he told her to get in touch.”

Frank died on July 28 after being admitted to hospital on several occasions.

Because the hospital could not trace Frank’s next of kin, he could have been cremated without any of his friends knowing.

John is hoping everyone who knew Frank will fill the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Highworth Road on Friday.

On Monday, Frank’s friends paid tribute to a much loved member of the their community at the Toothill Community Centre.

Arthur Prike, of Lombard Court, Toothill, said: “There were a few shocked faces when people read about Frank being cremated without anyone in attendance because we had planned on going.

“People that know him want to show their respect.”

Anyone who knew Frank is invited to attend the funeral at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Highworth Road, Upper Stratton, at 11am.

His burial will be conducted afterwards at the Whitworth Road cemetery.