June 8, 1945 - June 25, 2023
In loving memory, we celebrate the life of Bill Frame, a man who found solace and joy in the simple pleasures and family. One of his cherished pastimes was sitting on his screened-in porch, overlooking the serene Boyd Lake, where he would spend hours watching the passing boats. With a cup of coffee in hand, he would immerse himself in the news, all the while honing his skills in the game of solitaire.
During the final week we shared with him, our conversations took on a profound meaning, centered around metaphorical boats. We contemplated the journeys embarked upon by our beloved ones as life gracefully approached its twilight. On the morning of Sunday, June 25, 2023 as the sun's rays began to illuminate the night sky, Bill's boat set sail beyond the horizon, gradually disappearing from view. On the other side, he was warmly welcomed by family and friends who had already completed their own remarkable journeys.
John William (Bill) Frame was many things; husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and a friend. He was an athlete, a farmer, a soldier, and a Loveland businessman. He was a teacher, a role model, and a huge fan of all things football and basketball. Bill was also a big supporter of his children, grandchildren and all of their activities.
Bill grew up in Ainsworth Iowa, helping his mother and father and two younger brothers, Jim and Bob run the family farm. He attended Ainsworth high school and played every sport in his class of 25. He also enjoyed wrenching on his beloved 1960 Dodge Rambler. He danced and romanced his way into the heart of his wife, Jan where they shared almost 56 years of marriage. Bill graduated from Iowa State University where he majored in animal science and minored in business. Bill then answered the call to serve his country where he witnessed, fought in, and survived the grief of the Vietnam war.
In his tour he earned 2 Bronze Stars (with oak leaf cluster), and the Army commendation medal for meritorious achievement. He was also awarded a Purple Heart for injuries received in action.
In the midst of raising a young family, Bill took the risk of starting a small business. Alpine Office Products was founded in 1971 in downtown Loveland and served the local community successfully for almost 30 years. In 1991 Alpine was awarded Loveland Business of the Year.
He taught his children, Justin, Spencer and Christa, the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar. He taught us that it’s not worth doing if you don’t do it right ~~ which was his way! Through Boy Scouts, swim meets, basketball games, tennis matches, and dance recitals he was always there. He didn't even mind having the neighborhood kids play basketball on his deck and eat all his food! Meanwhile, he built desks at night and delivered filing cabinets and office supplies by day. As a dad, he taught us respect and how to use our heads.
Bill had an infectious laugh, he loved to be with his friends and have a good time! He would join you on the golf course and share time on your patio after, for a cigar and a gin and tonic. Bill was huge fan of boat drinks in one particular harbor outside Margaritaville with his friends. Whether on a houseboat, golf course, or patio, he loved spending quality time with his favorite people. Bill and Jan traveled extensively with family and friends to Mexico, Europe, South Africa, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and California. They enjoyed the crisp desert winters and warm Colorado summers.
Outside his family life and business accomplishments, Bill’s greatest feats were running five marathons, the last in Washington DC amid the military monuments and in the 1990’s switched his athletic passion to biking. Bill did the Ride the Rockies and the Iowa Ragbrai each three times along with numerous other classic bike rides. His many adventures also included joining Jim Disney to complete the Longs Peak summit climb and sky diving over Boyd Lake with Spencer!
Although Bill's boat has sailed over the horizon and into the sunset, he lives on through everyone that he touched along his journey. His sage fatherly advice, witty dad jokes, and lively laugh will echo in our hearts for the rest of our adventures as well. His smile will remind us to always look to catch the wind in our sails and travel towards our best destination. He may be gone, but he will forever live in our hearts and memories.
Bill Frame is survived by his wife, Jan, children Justin and his wife Kelly of Laguna Hills, CA, Spencer of Wheat Ridge, CO, Christa and her husband Jason Adams of Ft Collins, CO. Grandchildren, Travis and Hayley Frame, Orinn and Kerrick Adams, Carly Betzler, and Cody and Sarah Betzler, and Bill’s brothers, Jim Frame of Seattle, WA and Bob and Sue Frame of Ainsworth, Iowa. granddogs, Indee & Ollie
We will be holding a Celebration of Life for Bill on August 10th, 2023 from 4-6 at The Cleveland Room located at Desk Chair in Loveland located on Cleveland and 4th Street. (three doors down from Alpine Office Supply original location)
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Pathways Hospice of Loveland or the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Bill
