Frank Tyrell Ondatje Sr.

Frank Tyrell Ondatje, aka “Frank O,” left us on February 2, 2023 in the presence of his family at his home in Greeley, Colorado. Frank was born on October 11,1954 in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Ceylon) to Frank Ronald Ondatje and Pamela E. Ondatje.

Services are planned for Saturday March 25, 2023, more details to follow.

Frank was the fifth child, born into a family of six boys and two girls; Frank spent the first 10 years of his life on the island of Sri Lanka. In May of 1965, Frank, along with his three older brothers and younger sister made their journey to the United States of America to reunite with their mother Pamela and father Ron to achieve the American Dream and make a better life for the family. Frank and his family settled in Alhambra, California in a three-bedroom house until Frank’s father was able to purchase his first home in La Puente, California. Frank attended elementary and high school and graduated from Bassett High School in 1973.  Frank met Juliette (Julie) Verdugo at the age of 16 and was married at the age of 18; Frank and Julie raised three beautiful children, Frank Jr., Andrea, and Lisa Ondatje.

Following his divorce to Julie, Frank accepted a promotion in 1995 with Eastman Kodak Company and a relocation to the Company in Windsor, Colorado.  Relocation meant a new start and a chance to continue with his pursuit of the American dream.  Frank was able to purchase a home, buy his dream car (Audi TT) and start a new journey in his life.

Frank met Janelle Tucker in 1997; they were married in 2003.  Frank, Janelle and her two sons, resided in Greeley, Colorado.  Frank devoted his time at Eastman Kodak/Carestream for many years before he took an early retirement and eventually worked for another transportation company.  In 2018, Frank along with business partners opened their own company in the Logistics/Transportation Industry, which is still operating to this day.  Frank’s reputation for being able to ship anything, anywhere in the world was second to none; his knowledge was legendary within the transportation industry.

The light of his life was his family.  Although Frank’s children and grandchildren resided in California, he was still a significant part of their lives. Frank took every opportunity to attend sports events, family gatherings, weddings, graduations and made profound memories for them all.  Frank created and maintained irreplaceable bonds with his children and grandchildren.  In Frank’s spare time he found peace in gardening, camping, reading, listening to his favorite classic rock music with a nice cold drink in hand on his famous deck, he loved to walk his dogs.

Frank had a passion for football; in Frank’s last days he was able to check off the number one item on his bucket list; along with his children and grandchildren Frank attended his last NFL game at the Allegiant Stadium home of his favorite team the Las Vegas Raiders; a game his family will forever cherish. Frank was very intelligent, charismatic, warm, kind-hearted, mischievous (to the end) who had a beautiful soul.  Frank is leaving many loved ones behind, but only for a moment, until we meet again.

Predeceased by his loving parents,  Frank Ronald Ondatje, Pamela Ondatje, and his beloved brother Travis Ondatje.

Survived by his wife Janelle Ondatje, children:  Frank T. Ondatje Jr., Andrea Santana (Marco) , Lisa Ondatje. Stepsons Byron, Jacob Kingston, Grandchildren: Nathan, Zachary, Kayla, Izabella, Madison, Jayden, Frankie Marie, Lansun and Danica; Siblings,  Ron (Kathy), Sandy (Janice),  Sharlene (Mike) Ozelle (Richard), Allan, and Desmond; many nieces/ nephews, his beloved dogs Nikko and Vicki and many friends who he called “his family and loved dearly.”