In Memory Of

Timothy "Tim" Murray Frayn

Oct 11, 1948 - Apr 14, 2026

Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Timothy Murray Frayn at Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, on April 14th, 2026. Tim was born October 11th, 1948, in Calgary AB. He experienced a rural, farm upbringing as a child and later moved to Drumheller as a teenager, where he met Pat Ferguson, his future wife, in high school. Tim and Pat were married in 1968 and began a “most excellent adventure”. Together they were bold, adventurous and hard working.

Tim always believed that education, hard work and family were the keys to success. He could envision the future while working incredibly hard in the present. He applied his unstoppable determination to everything he did, including managing his COPD diagnosis.

In their early life together, Tim and Pat ran a service station business in Drumheller and then moved north to Fort McMurray. He acquired his Red Seal Tickets in automotive and heavy-duty mechanics, as well as welding, all the while working his way up to become the manager of Diversified Transportation at the age of 26.

He could always make something out of nothing, and he honed this skill as they began their next chapter, beginning in 1980 when they moved their kids, pets, and everything they owned to Rocky Mountain House to begin building their dream log home on their quarter-section west of Rocky. Tim and Pat applied their incredible work ethic, craftsmanship skills, and meticulous attention to detail to create a home as unique as them. And they did all of it in the hours that were left over after working all day creating another successful mechanical business of their own, only recently retiring and closing out Ghost Pine Mechanical Ltd in 2023.

No one did things the way Tim did and whatever he was doing, he worked hard. Even his leisure activities required work. Whether it was tuning up his Argo before hunting & fishing trips or building pack boxes for horse trips into the mountains. Tim could solve any problem that materialized. He could also fix anything, always providing a unique experience was one of his special gifts. He could make the ordinary, extraordinary. Tim was determined and confident enough to persevere through anything as it arose.

His intelligence and wide-ranging interests connected him to many different people throughout his life. He was generous with his time, energy, and knowledge. He found joy in mentoring others, whether it was about engines, craftsmanship, business or music. Especially music.

Music was a part of Tim throughout his life. He was a self-taught lead guitar player primarily, but there was not a stringed instrument that he couldn’t play. Tim played in various bands ever since he was a teenager, but he had the best experiences playing music with Pat. She sang and played as well. First the drums and then, later rhythm guitar. Together they played on the radio and TV as well as stages all around central Alberta, B.C., Montana, Idaho, and in 2013 they provided entertainment for Via Rail passengers all across Canada & back.

Although Tim enjoyed entertaining audiences, he got the most joy out of mentoring others as they were learning. Tim’s guitar skills and positive encouragement could make a person feel and sound like a real musician, even if they could only play 2 chords.

Tim passed his love for music on to his children and grandchildren. Nothing would make him happier than when the family was gathered to sing & play music together.

Tim is survived by his loving wife, Pat of 58 years, their daughter & son-in-law, Wendy and Peter van Tol of Rocky and their son, Ken Frayn of Canmore. Their granddaughters, Averyanna van Tol of Cochrane and Jaylyn van Tol of Calgary, and grandson, Lucas Frayn of Canmore.

Following Tim’s wishes, no service will be held. If you would like to donate in Tim’s name, donations can be made to the Red Deer SPCA and the R.O.A.R. Society in Rocky.

Condolences

Henry and Judy Schuurman:

Pat, Wendy and Ken, what a shock it was to hear of the passing of Tim. We shared so many good times together and though the years have slipped by since we've last seen you, the memories haven't. It's times like these that friends and family rally; let them give you the strength to get through these difficult days. Tim will be missed!! With our deepest sympathy, Henry & Judy Schuurman

Deena Arychuk:

Please accept my deepest condolences. We met Tim and Pat shortly after they moved to Rocky. I have such great memories of spending many times visiting, laughing, cooking in Pat and Tim's kitchen helping get meals and gear prepared for one of the many hunting trips. Men busy getting horses ready to head out the next morning. Or sometimes due to a stubborn horse -not being allowed to go on the trip at the last minute, finding the men tuning up the famous Argo to use in place of the cranky horse. We were very blessed to spend many evenings listening and watching the magic music happen. Watching the kids just take in all the experiences they were involved in. I pray all your wonderful memories will help you through this hard time. Big hugs.

Dawn & Donn Mason:

Sincere condolences to the entire family; we always enjoyed our opportunities to hear Tim and Pat....he will be missed.

Jordy Green:

I attended the jams in Rocky with Tim and Pat. I remember how welcoming and giving you both were to anyone who walked in. Whether it was at Antique Days or Cow Lake you both always made such an effort to promote others and make them comfortable on the stage. I have many fond memories. My most heartfelt condolences to all the family on your loss.

Nikki Johnson:

Sending my condolences to Wendy and Ken. Sounds like you had a great dad. I hope you find peace.

Karen (Borwick) Hagen:

Deepest sympathies to Pat and family. Remember with fondness, the music Pat and Tim created while growing up in Orkney ❤️

Loretta Leon Alberta :

Oh that Goose he had no one would come in the yard! At the Rocky wood preservers party no one could dance like the two of you.Tim also helped with our truck .Rest in peace.

Joanne (Kelly) Long:

I never personally knew Tim that well but I did meet him one time at a musical gathering in Leslieville I believe, but it's been many years ago now so my memory isn't as good as it was then!! There was an "open air sing- along" there & my oldest brother, Hugh Kelly, now deceased, who was very involved with music & entertaining others was also there at that time!! He had often spoken of Tim & if my memory serves me correctly, I believe they even played together a number of times at various functions!! It seemed that musical entertainment was a great part of both their lives & was provided by both of them to an endless number of people over the years!!

We moved from Rocky Mtn. House to BC in Dec. 1979 so although I did not know Tim that well, only a bit because of Hugh, I am very sorry to read of his passing & I extend my very sincere condolences to all his Family as you mourn the loss of someone who brought so very much pleasure to you & others by way of his music as well as his other selfless traits!! May he RIP with all those he has now joined following his passing!!

Heather Fisher Cisaroski:

Pat, Wendy, Ken and your families, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences to you all at this time. I always enjoyed coming out for an oil change and a visit.

Ed and Marian De Ruyter:

Our condolences and prayers go out to you and your family Pat.

Ed And Marian

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