Frank Axel Sears

Frank Axel Sears of Thornton, Colorado, peacefully passed away on February 9, 2016. Frank was able to depart this world on his own terms; at home, comfortable in his own bed, and in the arms of his loving wife. Although he had become physically disabled by Alzheimer's, he fought the disease with courage, dignity and humor which endeared him to all his caregivers and set an example to his family. Frank's 73 years took him from his birthplace of Salt Lake City, Utah to California, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, and finally back to his beloved Colorado. Frank proudly served his country as a Navy Aviation Electronics Technician (AT1). Frank was on the aircraft carrier, U.S.S Bon Homme Richard, which supported the troops in Vietnam. His service took him to many other countries including Japan, The Philippines and Hawaii. Upon honorable discharge he made his home in San Diego where he met the love of his life, Yolanda. Even after marrying and the birth of their first child, Cynthia, Frank continued his education at the California Polytechnic Institute while also working for NCR. A longing to be close to family led Frank and Yolanda back to Colorado after the birth of their second child, Robert. Frank parlayed his education and training into a career in healthcare information technology becoming a Manger of programmers at St. Anthony's hospital in Denver; not just his place of work, St. Anthony's was also where their third child, Todd was born. Frank built an exceptional career with leadership roles at hospitals in Colorado, Texas and finally Illinois. It was at Southern Illinois Healthcare in Carbondale, IL that Frank capped off his career as a Sr. Vice President and Chief Information Officer. He spent 14 years at SIH and left a legacy that allowed SIH to meet the technical challenges of healthcare reform. Never one of complacency, Frank also served his community by working with the local University and Community colleges to establish new programs that would keep young talent at home and offer an incubator for new businesses. Frank retired in 2009 to Pueblo, Colorado where he planned to live out his dream of travel with his dearest Yolanda. Although he didn't fully realize this dream he never wasted a moment regretting it because he found his greatest joy in his three grandchildren: Alyssa, Tristan and Vincent Sears; the children of his youngest son Todd and his wife, Vanessa. The best testament to the kind of man Frank was is most evident by the outpouring of love his surviving family has received. Long lost friends, colleagues from all over the US, close friends, former employees, members of his church, casual acquaintances, even the bank teller at his bank, all expressed their profound sadness at his passing. So many of them had stories of how he helped them or stood by them in their time of need. While Frank's passing leaves a hole in the heart of his family, they know he is best honored by being celebrated rather than mourned; and they find peace and comfort in many cherished memories and the loving example he set.