Franklin Alexander Wiener

FRANKLIN ALEXANDER WIENER April 9, 1939 – May 25, 2023 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.