Franklin Arthur Woessner On Monday August 25, 2014 we lost our husband, our dad, our brother, our son, our uncle and dear friend, Franklin Arthur Woessner. On that tragic day Frank unexpectedly passed away at Baldwin Park in Paia, Maui, Hawaii. Frank was born in Portland, Oregon on May 10, 1951. At the age of eleven he moved with his family to the orchard filled Santa Clara Valley where he grew up in the Willow Glen area. As a boy he and his friends participated in all forms of sports. They rode clay wheeled skateboards and Stingray bikes and ice blocks down grassy slopes. They could often be found riding cafeteria trays down the spillways of local reservoirs - all in the name of having fun and looking for a thrill. A gifted athlete, Frank excelled at baseball. His dad, Bob, encouraged the development of his son's baseball skills with hours of fielding practice and endless games of pepper. The work paid off. At San Jose City College he was a team captain, earning "Most Inspirational Player" honors in 1970 and was crowned "Batting Champion" and "Most Valuable Player" in 1971. He went on to play at Cal State Hayward, and even received a tryout with the Kansas City Royals. In 1969, with the draft in full-swing, Frank wisely enlisted in the Air Force Reserves where he was assigned as a medic. He was honorably discharged in 1972 with the rank of Sergeant. His time in the Air Force was spent working with burn victims at Travis AFB. The experience further deepened his sensitivity and compassion for others. He was always outwardly calm under pressure, and just last month was able to "talk down" a teenage girl panicked in the waters off Waikiki Beach. She thought she would drown, but Frank held her afloat and helped her into shallower water where she was reunited with her friends. In 1972 he transitioned to the Army National Guard where he qualified as a Sharpshooter. In order to keep his curly blond hair, he tucked it into a wig for each weekend deployment. By that time he had moved to Santa Cruz and the gifted athlete conquered another sport, body surfing. He body surfed all over Santa Cruz and made numerous trips to So Cal to surf the Wedge and 45th Ave in Newport Beach. He started board surfing in 1973, and even into his mid-50's could be found at his favorite spot, 26th Avenue, several days a week before and after work (or during work for that matter, if the tides were right!). He treasured the time spent with his buddies surfing all over Mexico. Frank welcomed his son Blake in 1976 and then Keith in 1985. There was never a more devoted father. He laughed about riding around on his bike with a baby bottle in one pocket and a diaper in the other. Most summers included a trip to Lake Tahoe where they swam and played tennis and horseshoes. At Tahoe he could often be found relaxing on the deck smoking a cigar. Frank loved talking music with Blake and Raider football with Keith. His sons were his pride and joy and his passing will forever impact them. Frank and Debbie met in 2001 and it was a match made in heaven. For one thing, they shared a love of baseball. He was an avid A's fan, but nevertheless, found a way to be excited when her Giants won the World Series. They also enjoyed surfing, hiking, fishing and backpacking together. They had many adventures together including trips to the Sierra, Mexico, Fiji, Hawaii and skiing in Tahoe and Park City. Frank especially loved fishing the lakes and streams along the Sonora Pass and his retirement plan included a cabin near Twain Harte. Frank and Debbie recently fulfilled their dream to live in Hawaii. Over the years Frank built a successful landscaping business. Among his clients was The Villas of Capitola which he serviced for more than 35 years. More than just the gardener, he made many friends there. The residents will remember him for his kind heart and willingness to help them whenever he could. He gave people rides, jump started cars, helped move furniture and offered free surf advice. In short, he was the go-to guy for the residents there. Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie Brint-Woessner; sons Blake (Katrina) and Keith; his parents, Robert and Shirley; brother Erik; nieces Madelynn and Erika, and nephews Dirk and Garrett; Blake's Mother, Cristina Gallus, and her sons Dillon and Garrett; and Keith's Mother, Karen Peary. In addition, Frank leaves behind a legion of friends and extended family that will forever miss his laughter and kindness. Frank was preceded to the gates of heaven by his brother, Michael. A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Saturday, September 20, at 11:00am at the Dream Inn, 175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California. Valet parking will be provided - casual dress only, please. There will be a paddle out at Cowell's beach immediately following the celebration (approximately 1:30pm). For many years Frank suffered from a condition called Essential Tremor. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) are preferred