Frank 20060217 Obituary (1950 - 2006)

AUGUSTA - Frank D. Wingate, 55, of Augusta died Friday, Feb. 17, 2006, at his home. He was born in Augusta on Dec. 30, 1950, the son of George and Frances (Davis) Wingate. He was a graduate of Ricker College with a bachelor of science degree, and the University of Southern Maine with a master of science in education. He was listed in 'Who's Who in Colleges and Universities.' Frank established Wingate-Lathe Nursery and Landscaping in 1982. In 1995. the business developed into Wingate Landscape Co., which he operated until the time of his death with his son, Blake. Last year, for his hard work, he was the recipient of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce President's Award. Frank was a past Noble Grand, I.O.O.F.; past president of the Tri City Fuel Dealers; was on the executive committee of the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association; was a board member of the Kennebec Valley YMCA and a member of the Augusta school board; was on the board of governors of the Augusta Country Club, from 1994 to 2003; and was chairman of the Green Committee. Frank was a master arborist, a Maine certified landscape professional and Maine certified nursery professional, and was a corporator at Kennebec Savings Bank. For 11 years, he loved coaching basketball at Buker School and the YMCA as well as being a lifetime, noontime basketball player there. He also coached soccer and Little League baseball. He drove a Harley, a '69 Buick Convertible, a bunch of boats, and everyone nuts. Mr. Wingate was truly in love with his wife, Alyssa, and his crazy kids, Blake and Courtney. He also loved his mother and father dearly. Frank is survived by his wife, Alyssa (Chin) Wingate; his children, Blake and Courtney Wingate; his brother, Fred Wingate; his sisters, Anne McElroy and her husband, Mike, and Inky Snell and her husband, John; his former sister-in-law, Wendy Wingate; his mother-in-law, Alice Chin, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. A small private ceremony will be held for the family. A memorial service will be announced for friends and community at a later date. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to: HealthReach Hospice Comfort Fund, 212 Main St., Waterville, ME 04901; or to: Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley, 150 Dresden Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta.