Frank Wright, who was born on March 3, 1933, passed away quietly at the age of 77 years on the morning of Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 in St. Joseph's Hospice Care Group, Thunder Bay after a brief illness.
Frank led a life dedicated to his family, public service, military and adventure. In the public service, Frank worked as a Public Health Inspector which brought him from Elliott Lake to Port Arthur in 1964. After his work in public health, Frank worked as a Senior Environment Officer for the Ministry of Environment in Thunder Bay until retirement.
During retirement, Frank was appointed to the Ontario Environment Tribunal followed by a position approving and assessing new environment product applications for building code approval.
Frank took great pleasure in his work in the public service and often could be found assisting clients meet code. He often spoke of the many great people he worked with and encountered.
During his military career in the Army Reserve, Frank obtained the field rank of Major in the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment. After retiring from the Regiment, Frank became a member of the LSSR Senate which he held until his passing. Additionally, Frank held the rank of Brigadier General with the Frontiersmen. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Port Arthur Branch no. 5 and a former Grand Prior of Canada with the St. Stanislos Society as well as a Mason with the Elliot Lake Chapter.
Frank was extremely knowledgeable in any topic, especially Military History. He was well travelled around the world, enjoying the many sights, sounds, food and people where ever he found himself. No matter where Frank was, his presence was felt and was a friend which was much in evidence in his short illness by the many large number of friends who called, visited and sent best wishes during his final months. Beyond his public life, Frank was a very caring and supporting father, grandfather, brother, partner and friend.
He is survived by his daughter Heather Wright (Steve Barnes) and granddaughter Jenna of Sudbury; son Franklyn (Sheryl) Wright and granddaughter Tristan of Burnaby, British Columbia; partner Jeannine Tasse of Sudbury; brother Vic (Aline) Evans of Sudbury; niece Janet Evans; cousin Blythe Roberts; former wife Barbara Gray; sister in law Shirley Wright and nephews Lance and Dirk Wright.
Frank was predeceased by his parents Ellis and Helen (Harris) Wright and his brother Graham Wright.
Funeral Services for the late Major H. Franklyn Wright will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 11 a.m. with family and friends gathering in St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 226 Pearl Street. The Royal Canadian Legion, Port Arthur Branch No. 5 will hold a Legion Memorial Service following the funeral service. Cremation has taken place and final interment will be held at a later date in Gananoque, Ontario. Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma in care of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Frank to the Military Family Resource Centre or the Salvation Army would be greatly appreciated.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
