Frank published his first FS article in May 1996, "Rays-ey Days," about the spring run of cobia. At the time, Frank was a charter captain in the St. Augustine area. A storyteller among storytellers, Frank parlayed his knowledge of northeast Florida waters into a steady tide of folksy, informative freelance articles.

In the spring of 2000, Frank joined the FS editorial staff full-time. That was not long after the magazine had relocated from Miami to Stuart, Florida.

Check out the FS Forum for comments from members about Frank, and more photos. You can also leave a message yourself. Click here: http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=558218

"Frank's talents showed at every turn in his many articles, photography and editing," said Karl Wickstrom, FS founder. "Moreover, people liked to see Frank coming. He would brighten your doorway with a sort of upbeat friendliness and honesty that always made a strong personal connection."

After joining FS, Frank and Linda left St. Augustine and settled in the town of Rio, near the St. Lucie River. Together, the two were active in a number of community and conservation organizations, including Coastal Conservation Association, the Stuart Sailfish Club, Florida Oceanographic Society, and Surfrider Foundation. Surfing was one of Frank's chief passions, taking priority over fishing during winter groundswells at Stuart Beach.

"He seemed interested in whatever you were up to, because he really was interested," said Wickstrom. "No polite pretense needed. The phrase Southern Charm comes to mind but that doesn't quite fit the tough outdoorsman that Frank was, though his special drawl and quick laugh made him memorable to all who spent time with him."

In researching articles for FS, Frank traveled to many parts of Florida, and made annual forays to tropical destinations in the Bahamas, Belize, Mexico and Costa Rica. Linda often joined him, assisting with photography.

Television appearances were second-nature for the easy-going Florida native, said Blair Wickstrom, FS and Shallow Water Angler Magazine Publisher.

"I remember our first TV trip like it was yesterday," said Blair. "We weren’t catching anything, the mix of humidity and heat couldn’t have made it any more uncomfortable, but Frank couldn’t help but make the best of the situation. Unfortunately, it was at the expense of our host, Rick Ryals. Rick and Frank are polar opposites when it comes to politics, but that didn’t stop Frank from needling Rick to the point of threatening to throw Frank off the boat. I asked Frank later that night if he believed everything he was saying, and he said, 'No, but did you see Rick? Hee, hee, hee--I just couldn’t stop.'

"Without question we’ll miss Frank’s trademark laugh, not only in the office, but on our TV shows as well," said Blair.

"It's hard to accept the fact that he won't be brightening doorways again," Karl added. "I'd like to see him coming."

Frank died Monday, November 13, at Jupiter Medical Center, following a brief illness associated with a nine-month struggle with cancer.

Frank is survived by Linda, his wife of 9 years; her son John Canada, of Fort Pierce, with spouse Tracy and Adeline, 3, and Harley, 6; Linda's daughter Denise Symes, of Colorado, with husband Michael and Isabella, 5, and Paul, 9; Betty Bolin, Frank's mother, of Jacksonville; and Johnny Bolin, brother, residing in Jacksonville.

There will be a community celebration of Frank's life Saturday morning, November 18, at Florida Oceanographic Center on Hutchinson Island. The casual memorial service begins at 8:15 a.m., and will be followed by a surfside tribute at Stuart Beach.

Memorial donations may be made to the Florida Oceanographic Society or the Surfrider Foundation.

MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD

On Saturday, November 18, friends and family gathered for an early-morning memorial service at the Florida Oceanographic Society, on Hutchinson Island.

Afterward, the attendees, most of whom were Frank's surfing buddies and Surfrider Foundation members, crossed over A1A to the beach for a Paddle Out tribute.

To see more of the pictures click here and go to page 3 of the thread: http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=558218

"Mahalo Frank"