Frank was born and raised on the sprawling grounds of Rideau Gardens, in what is now Old Ottawa East. He was predeceased by his parents Melville Gordon and Lillian (nee Williams) and his brother Donald Gordon (Martha) who was born six years to the day earlier than Frank. “He was the worst birthday present I ever got!” Frank attended Hopewell and Glebe HS and went on to his much loved MacDonald College at McGill University earning a B.Sc.(Ag.). He played on the football team, breaking his nose and a few hearts along the way. Frank met the love of his life, Joyce Annabelle Sanderson, in Ottawa and they wed in 1956. He worked for ten years at the NCC, taking great pride in laying out the NCC gardens along the driveways, parkways and choosing trees for the Arboretum. Frank became Director of Parks and Recreation for the burgeoning City of St. Catharines in the 1960’s so they spent the remainder of their working lives there. They were fortunate to have Joyce’s siblings Warren (Ruth) and Shirley (Pete) and their families close by.
Upon retirement, they returned to their much loved cottage in Dunrobin where sadly Joyce passed away after a short period of time. Frank developed a loving network of friends at the Bay, including the special girl squad of Sharon and Ingrid, and lived a happy, fulfilled life. Frank had two other special loves in his life, one being the Ottawa Senators. A season ticket holder from day one, he loved the Sens in all of their reincarnations. Even more important to him was family and his abundance of nieces: Marianne, Beverley, Sharon, Heather and Karen and a nephew, Rick along with great nieces Erin, Katie, Lara, Laura, Stacey and Tolmie and great nephews John, Scott, Bob, Kevin and Scott and a plethora of great, great nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation at Beechwood Cemetery on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will commence at 3:45 pm followed by a Reception at 4:30 pm. Private Interment at a later date. The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Total Communication Environment www.tceottawa.org or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Joseph Cull & Ian Engelberg
Tracy Cockburn Trim (& Rene Trim)
We were so sorry to learn of Frank's passing, and send our deepest condolences to his extensive family and close friends. I have fond memories of "Uncle Frank" from my childhood years when I lived next door to the Andersons (Martha, Don, Heather and Karen). May he now be reunited with his beloved family members who have preceded him.
Cathy Caldwell
I am so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I really thought the world of him. I will see you at the rememberance. Sorry for your loss.
Elisa Wyatt
Karen and Tolmie, sorry for your loss.
Eleanor and Greg Cailes
We are so happy to have met and shared time with Uncle Frank. He was an absolute joy to be around.
Dale and Ray Bryan
We are very sorry to hear of Franks passing. I remember him clearly, always teasing Uncle Don and laughing. He will be missed dearly.
Karen, Tolmie, Heather & Murray,
We had the good fortune of many happy times with Uncle Frank. He was quite the character, always had a smile about him. He will be missed. I’m sure he is very happy being reunited with Joyce, your parents Martha & Don and their close knit circle of friends! May you be comforted by all the good times shared!
Much love,