Husband, father, educator and proud Albertan, Francis (“Frank”) Flanagan gently passed away at home on Friday, March 22, 2019. He was just four weeks shy of his 95th birthday. His son, Ian, and his daughter Jean and her husband, Mike, were by his side. Frank moved from Edmonton to Vernon after his beloved wife, Ruth, passed away on February 7, 2004. His love for her was boundless, as was his love for his children and their partners: Ian (Debbie), Neil (Jennifer), Jean (Mike), Bill (Saffron) and Noreen (David). He was immensely proud of his grandchildren—Sinead, Liam, Eamon, Caitie, Joe and Erin—and followed their pursuits with the keen interest that comes from being a teacher and an avid traveller. Frank grew up in Medicine Hat, Alta., the seventh son in a family of 12. His parents, Julia and Thomas, emigrated from Ireland in 1910 and raised their children—Noreen, Jackie, Christopher, Thomas (Bus), John, Joe, Michael, Mary, Margaret, Francis, Edward and Patrick. (He is survived by his two younger brothers, Father Ed and Pat.) Frank graduated from the University of Alberta in 1952 and embarked on a lifetime in education as a teacher and administrator. After he moved to Vernon, he continued to travel, including a trip he took with his family to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to celebrate his 90th birthday. It was also the first time since he was born, on April 20, 1924, that his birthday coincided with Easter Sunday. His family brought him joy and his faith brought him much comfort, especially knowing that one day he would be reunited with Ruth.
Vigil Prayers will be held on Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church and a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 28, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Coldstream, BC with Reverend Father Peter Nguyen officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to Upper Room Mission Society in Vernon, BC (upperroommission.ca) would be appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff at Canterbury Court for their kind and thoughtful support during the 13 years that it was Frank’s home. We would also like to thank Dr. Ross Waldron and Dr. Kobus Bester for their ongoing care of Dad, as well as the staff of Kimberly Support Services, who were immensely helpful in his last months. Special thanks to Deacon Paul Murphy for his spiritual fellowship.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Francis Patrick Flanagan March 22nd 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Vernon, Province: Colombie britanique