Passed away in peace and surrounded by loved ones on Friday, January 24, 2014 at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. He was a wonderful husband for 66 years to Evelyn Comfort, and a superb father to his six children; Tom (Patsy), Bonnie (Marty), Don (Susan), Allan (Brandy), Stuart and Shawn (Judy) as well as Grandfather to 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Survived by brother Dennis (Mary) and sister Eleanor (Gary) as well as many nieces and nephews.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, Eleanor and Clifford Dell, his brothers Leonard (Wilma surviving), Skip (Ina surviving) and his sister Donna Garner.
Frank served with the Canadian Armored Corp. during the Second World War. He was a respected businessman in Northern Ontario as owner/operator of ‘Dell’s Tire & Battery’ and ‘Ideal Windows and Doors’.
An active long time Mason, he joined the Smithville Masonic Lodge #502, in 1949. He had been active with the Nipissing Lodge #420, the Scottish Rite, Past Master of the Lodge of Perfection, Past Master of Nipissing Masonic Lodge # 420, Past District Deputy Grand Master of Nipissing East District and Past Master Nipissing Chapter of the Rose Croix.
Frank was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 23 and the St. John's Anglican Church. He was a Life Member of the West Ferris Minor Hockey Association, and refereed in Northern Ontario for a great number of years.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the wonderful nursing and support team on B1, N.B.R.H.C. for their compassion and extra personal care during Frank’s lengthy stay at “The Resort”. Special thanks to Dr. Vigars and Dr. McKercher and to Lynn Smart.
Friends may visit the family at the Martyn Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 29th, noon to 1:30 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion Branch #23 memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. and the Nipissing Masonic Lodge #420 memorial service at 1:45 p.m. Funeral service in the Martyn Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m.
A “Celebration of Life” will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion #23, 150 First Ave. West. Spring Interment at St. John's Anglican Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society will be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy. Online condolences at www.martynfh.com