FRANKLIN ALEXANDER WIENER
April 9, 1939 – May 25, 2023
Frank Wiener passed away peacefully on May
25, 2023 with his family at his side.
Frank was predeceased by his parents Max
and Arlene Wiener and is survived by his
wife Desta, sons Jayson, Michael, daughter
Lori, grandsons Christopher, Alexander and
brother Martin.
Frank grew up in the north end of Winnipeg
and attended Champlain, Luxton, St. Johns
High and United College (now University of
Winnipeg) for 2 years of Chartered
Accountancy.
Frank began his career working in his
father’s business as comptroller for Seven
Oaks Manufacturing. It wasn’t long before
his entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and
he started his own companies in Winnipeg.
The Hungry I Discotheque was one of the
first teen clubs in Canada. Hungry I
Agency represented many bands across
Western Canada. HIA Concerts presented
dozens of touring shows and concerts
including “Hair”, the Bolshoi Ballet and
the Rolling Stones. He was the Western
Canada representative for International
Theatrical Agencies, an industry
association. He issued several records
under his label Franklin Records and was
Talent Co-ordinator for Man Pop with the
Manitoba Government. In addition to that
influential role in the Winnipeg
entertainment scene, he founded Hungry I
Stables where he raced and bred
thoroughbred horses. In Vancouver, he
owned Frank’s Place nightclub and was
instrumental in the start-up of his son
Jayson’s supplement company Nutrabolics.
Those were just some of his several other
endeavours throughout the years.
Because Frank played such an influential
role in the music scene in Winnipeg in the
1960’s, he was recently interviewed for a
documentary called “Middle of Nowhere” a
feature documentary about a time and place
where the impossible became probable:
Winnipeg in the 1960’s. The film
discusses why there were so many bands in
Winnipeg and includes Frank’s experiences
booking bands and finding talent.
Frank will always be remembered for his
‘free advice’. He strove to help people.
To make his point, he may have come across
a little strong at times, but it turned
out he was usually right. He was a smart
and a truly respected entrepreneur who had
the stamina to finish what he started. His
friend and partner Don Pearson who worked
for Frank while attending University and
earning several degrees, included in his
own obituary, “the best education he
received was working with Frank Wiener
(Hungry I Agency) booking bands from Kenny
Rogers, Irish Rovers to the Supremes.”
Frank was an outgoing social person who
had many passions. In later years,
he loved his annual vacations to Cabo San
Lucas where he made many wonderful
friends. He kept a lifelong friendship
with the Bisons, a Winnipeg club he joined
in his teens, the 649 Group from his
Cul-de-sac along with many other friends
from Winnipeg and Vancouver. He enjoyed
spending Friday nights at Cioppinos in
Vancouver, for his “Frank’s
Special.” He always took
pleasure in the horse races, football and
spending time with family.
We will all miss Frank!
As per Frank’s wishes, a private
celebration of his life will be held at a
later date.
As
published online at Alternatives
Funeral & Cremation Services
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