A tribute to One Tough S.O.B

On the 10th of March 2012 the courageous six year battle with bowel cancer of a inspirational son, brother, uncle, friend, and  plain old good guy came to a well deserved end.

 Francesco "Frank" Plati my uncle and good friend was diagnosed with bowel cancer in the latter part of 2006. Frank was far from a celebrity and definitely never wanted or expected any fuss to be made over him, but the way he went about battling his cancer was an inspiration and a credit to the courageous and tough S.O.B that he was.

"Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway"
John Wayne

He took a 2 year deadline and was able to push into his sixth year before being reprieved from his battle and given his ultimate rest.

His courage and positive attitude throughout his entire battle should serve as inspiration to all who were privileged to have known him, and hopefully the impetus to them all that no matter the situation you should always take it on with courage, unwavering self belief, positivity and to never give up.

Eulogy of Frank Plati:

Passage from Ecclesiastes:

A good name is better than fine perfume,
   and the day of death better than the day of birth.
² It is better to go to a house of mourning
   than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of everyone;
   the living should take this to heart.

On behalf of my Nonno and family I would like to welcome and thank you all for joining us to celebrate the life and the  courageous journey of Francesco” Frank” Plati. I would also like to thank them for the privilege and honor of delivering this eulogy.

Born on the 27^th of March 1954 in Nordo di Pace Calabria to Giovanni and Stella Maria Plati, 3^rd child of 5 and first son of 3.

Zio Franks inspirational life almost ended before it had a chance to begin, when at the age of 2 he almost lost his life. Suffering from a severe case of croup he and being in a little village in the mountains of Italy, there was some grave doubt that he would get through it. But even at the age of 2 he already had the fighting spirit that would serve him well in the years to come.l

At the age of 3 Zio Frank along with Nonna and the rest of the family embarked on the aptly named ship, the Australia bound for Fremantle to meet up with Nonno to start his life as a true blue Aussie. From Fremantle they jumped on the back of a Ute and headed down south to Kirup.

At the age of 17 with the blessing and consent of Nonno, Zio Frank packed his bags jet setted to Puckapunyal in Victoria and swapped his spanners for some armoury, joined the army and spent the better part of 9 years serving his country. He no doubt was born with the courage and fighting spirit he died with, but I’m in no doubt that these qualities were fortified during his time in the army and was undoubtedly a valuable and valued member of the military.

After leaving the army Zio Frank went to work as an automotive mechanic, which would then lead to him establishing his own business AutoSprint. Even through his battle he continued to work and as much as possible he tried to support his loyal and supportive friend and business partner Gary, And to you Gary from myself and my Family we sincerely thank you.

Ladies and Gentlemen it is at this point that I would now like to speak of what I believe is the true essence of who Zio Frank was. In late 2006 Zio Frank had some tests done as a result of ongoing pain around his abdomen. Early in 2007 we were gathered at Nonnos, not sure of the exact reason for the occasion but there were a number of us there to have dinner when someone asked him about the tests he had had. As nonchalantly as he naturally was he stated that “its cancer”. At this point you could of heard a cockroach pass wind as he just went about his business, it was dinner time, time to eat it’s no big deal.

His battle had begun. Now if you ever want someone to do or achieve something give them all the reasons why they can’t do it and then sit back and marvel as they penetrate the impenetrable, move the immovable and achieve the impossible as was the case with Zio Frank when he was told that he had a 22% chance of making it to 2 years. Well no surprise he went passed 2 years and then 4 years and then was in to his 6^th year before he was finally given a reprieve from his inspirational battle.

Over the 5 years of surgical procedures and numerous treatments that in themselves could have killed most, he never complained, never sought sympathy, never backed down and continued to be positive. He at times concerned himself more with the welfare of others rather than his own, and this was undoubtedly the measure of the man that he was.

In the last week you couldn’t help but be anything but proud and inspired by his effort, courage and by his conviction to his unwavering faith in God. I can't ask you not to be angry, upset, frustrated, or confused at what you so him go through, but i will ask that you not let his courageous battle be in vain and that you keep his memory and spirit alive by remembering the courageous effort he put up.

Zio Frank at ease, and may you Rest In Peace!

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."
 "

Steve Jobs