Obituary of David Frank

The family of David Walter Frank is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Sunday, August 11th at the Saint John Regional Hospital. He was born on October 7, 1924, one of eight children of the late Charles and Sophia (Couliss) Frank. He graduated from St. Vincent’s Boys’ High School in 1940 at the age of fifteen. He then attended night school at the then Vocational School, studying Bookkeeping and French. After high school he worked at the Admiral Beatty Hotel at various jobs, becoming Chief Steward. He then ran a small grocery store on Main Street with his brother Charles. In 1949 he moved to Montreal and was in direct sales until 1960 when he joined Link-Belt Corporation, covering all of Quebec. In 1968, he started with Laurentian Valve & Fittings and became Owner and President of Atlantic Valve & Fittings Ltd. in Saint John, from where he retired in 1987. While still working, Walter was active in many organizations. He was an Affiliate Member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and served as Chairman of Atlantic Marine Section in 1975 and 1976. He also was a member of the Canadian Diving Associates, Canadian Pulp & Paper Associates, the Saint John Board of Trade, the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and was a member of the Union Club and Westfield Golf and Country Club. He is survived by his loving wife Carol Anne and five children: Stanley (Jane) of Ottawa, Donald of Miramichi, John (Jason Thibideau) of Saint John; daughters Terri (Sharon Woods) and Maureen Stackhouse-Paras (Dr. Emile), and two stepchildren: Paul Douglas Burchill (Linda) and Suzanne Burchill, all of Saint John ; Patricia Deitch, Miramichi. Walter is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Ruth (O’Neill) in 1992. He was also predeceased by brothers Joseph, Lloyd, Gerald, Charles, Patrick and sisters Frances Touchbourne and Rose Victor. He was the last surviving member of his family. He was saddened by the losses of his grandson Jeremiah in 1997, and daughter-in-law Kerry Frank in 2006. Walter served in Canada as a Sergeant with the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and was a member of the Warrant Officers and Sergeant’s Mess as well as the RCEME Association and Army Cadet League of Canada. He was a life member of the Legion and was former President of Greenwich Branch # 87, and served in various executive positions for 27 years. Walter loved his children and grandchildren/great-grandchildren, and was happy when the family spent much time at the "farm", Silent Pond, in Central Greenwick. Many memories were made and happy times spent there, along with his canine companion, Brandy being a celebrity. Walter loved the water. He was an Advanced Pilot of Canadian Yacht and Sail. He brought the MV Phoenix from St. Catherines, Ontario across Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal, the Hudson River, and along the Atlantic coast to Saint John in 1981. He was also a crew member on Phil Emerson’s MV Katahdin on various trips to the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was a former member of the RKYC and the Saint John Power Boat Club. He also loved to sing, influencing his children with this passion. He was a member of the Men of Fundy Barbershop Chorus for 11 years, as well, the group travelled to Holland to commemorate the Liberation of that country, where they sang with Vera Lynn. One of the highlights of a trip to Orlando was singing ad hoc with a quartet at Disney World, receiving an official membership card to the "Dapper Dans". Walter and Carol joined Westfield Golf and Country Club in 2005 and of course both were avid golfers. They also travelled to Myrtle Beach each year, having the time of their lives with "the gang" they would meet with year after year. Walter was a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #937 and a Life Member of the Knights. He attended St. Peter’s Catholic Church from where the Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 11:00 am. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Monday and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Tribute to a Veteran will be held on Monday at 7:00pm. Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Mindcare NB. We have lost a great mind, and a unique and wonderful sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by all who experienced the joy of knowing him.