Franklin Reed Protiva, 47, died early Friday morning, January 23, 2009 in a private airplane collision. He was born May 11, 1961 in New Orleans, LA to Hattie Pearl Reed Protiva and James Davis Protiva.

A longtime Flagstaff resident, local business, river runner and outdoor enthusiast, Frank will be sorely missed for his love of life and unending energy.

His family moved to Flagstaff in 1976. Frank was a graduate of Coconino High School Class of 1979 and Northern Arizona University College of Engineering with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology in 1987. He was a Principal owner of Shephard-Wesnitzer, Inc. a local Civil Engineering and Surveying Company and an active member of the community. Outside of work Frank and his wife Barb enjoyed boating at Lake Powell, hiking with their dog, snow skiing, flying his Cessna 205 and spending time at their ranch near Monticello, Utah.

Frank is survived by his wife Barbara of Flagstaff, stepchildren Sean Gugerty of Tucson, Sarah Lambros of Flagstaff, and Brianna Aldrich of San Francisco, CA; his father James Davis Protiva of Flagstaff, stepmother Penina Jahoda of Glendale, AZ; sister Susan Elizabeth Protiva (Mark Speer) of Puertecito, NM, and his brother James Davis Protiva, Jr. (Judy Jo Protiva) of Peace Valley, MO; step-brother Steve Jahoda of Glendale, AZ, and step-sister Christine Dullnig of San Antonio, TX. Frank is also survived by his nieces and nephews Beth Protiva, Kristen Protiva, Jesse Pearl Protiva Spear, Elijah Protiva and Isaac Protiva.

His mother Hattie Pearl Reed Protiva preceded him in death.

A celebration of Frank's life will be an Open House Potluck Friday, January 30th from 11:00 to 1:00 at the Wiseman Aviation Hanger, 2650 W. Shamrell Blvd.

In lieu of flowers his family suggest donations be made to the Utah Back Country Pilots, Sky Park Airport, 1887 S. Redwood Rd #16, Woodscross, UT 84087.