Condolences

Normal Morning

It was a normal morning for early May
Shining sun, cold, bright nip- in- the- air
Marginally above freezing morning.
It might warm up in the afternoon
Perhaps to 10 degrees
Possible for my older gents E- bike
Gentle ride.

So it was absolutely normal
Except…
Except my friend had died.

The text proclaimed it.
A normal morning paired with –
Paired with a remarkable man.
Remarkable – how?

Pretzel like, folded in the final years
Self- reliant in top floor condo
“ So there ‘d be no feet trodding above me except for angels”
But self- reliant because of so many earned volunteer caregiver friends.

Isaiah on his cheerful days
Could thunder the need for righteous justice, mercy,
Dignity for all.
Was the definition-walking- of intelligent
Humility, not lacking in humor or wit even
As he leaned his poetic brush against the temple pillars.

While bright eyed, he caressed
A picture of dear Elaine
And wrote also softly of love
And love’s embrace.
Only one way to make tea
Aerate the pouring water from a
Height into warmed teapot.

Membranes of teaching days
In second great love or third,
God, Elaine, India –
But the whole creation too,
All its peoples, creatures
Skis, canoes and running.
But that was yesterday.

Today, this morning,
Absolutely normal,
Except, except my friend,
Frank, died.

Deep breaths, sweet,
A tear, a lasting blessing.
Frank
By David Pollock on the Occasion of Frank’s death, written May 3rd, 2026.

-David Pollock

To all of Frank’s family,
Please accept my deep condolences on Frank’s death. Although he and Elaine had already moved to Parry Sound by the time my incumbency at St. George’s of Forest Hill began, they continued to return to join us for special celebrations. I always enjoyed the talks he and I would have in the office before services, or at coffee hour. His mind was always active, and his social conscience was an amazing wake-up call to the church. He had an incredible impact in his life, and through those who his thoughts impacted, he will continue to challenge into the future. May he rest in peace, and rise with Christ in glory.

-Fr. Donald Davidson

To all of Frank’s family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on Frank’s passing.
Knowing Frank for so many decades was a true privilege. His long life was marked by warmth, wisdom, kindness, and a quiet strength that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. I will always remember his kindness, his stories, and the way he brought a sense of calm and perspective to those around him.
He will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered. I hope you can find comfort in the many memories he created and the love he shared with family and friends throughout his remarkable 96 years.
With heartfelt sympathy,
John Dong

-John Dong

LOVE to all of you who are grieving and will miss Frank; I am sorry for your loss. Thank you David Pollock for sharing your touching poem above.
It is a great loss, losing a person of conviction and compassion, who always wanted to do what was right, who aimed for Sarvodaya, the welfare of all. It seems to me that he, like Elaine, was well ahead of his time in terms of inclusivity, open-mindedness, and social justice. They were both lodestars to me in that way, and I know I am but one of many who feel that way. Their commitment to social and environmental justice manifested in everything from staying informed by reading insatiably, inviting new people to their home, opening up discussions, donating to non-profit organizations, hosting people who had become refugees, teaching refugee children, writing letters to the editor, initiating Climate Action, protesting publicly when compelled, and more. They were true specimens of global citizenship.
I would have loved to have met them in the 1950s at the beginning of their adventures together across oceans, learning about and sharing in the richness of life on this planet. As it was, I met them when I first came to Parry Sound before India – they in their early 70s, me in my mid 20s, and it was so good for my heart and mind. Visiting their home, I’d surely be immersed in music, good conversation, a walk down by the Bay, delicious food, and often even a burst of poetry, violin, or a quote from an inspiring author. Watching them make chapattis together in ritual fashion and hearing about Frank bringing morning tea to Elaine in bed like monastic clockwork, inspired my search for a good partner.
In these last years, Frank faced serious discomforts and worries, yet was determinedly stoic, and never failed to show concern for others. I remember when at age 90, a couple years after Elaine passed, Frank mentioned that he was seeing ‘exit signs’ in the pains / signs of age, and yet he continued to read avidly, to write letters even as his hands got stiffer, to gather friends to discuss world issues, to speak the names of those who were imprisoned or killed for telling the truth, to read and write poems of beauty and humour, to share hopes and disappointments.
You will be greatly missed. But I’ll see you on the water which you told us says “cosmos”. I’ll see you in the sun on the rocks, in light refracted, and among the first delicate colours of Spring.
A special word to his (our) dear friend Merry, for your unwavering care and for being there for Frank in his hardest moments. We love you.

And a few words of Frank’s… I can’t choose… so a few disparate quotes of A.F Thompson:

“Is there a prognosis for scoliosis? Is there an end to the downward bend? Shall I stand erect at the judgement? Shall our hearts begin to mend?”

“For the sake of our tomorrows, for the world that can still be, for all life that speaks within us – undistracted, undeterred…let love burn.”

“The sign before me says EXIT
while there are wonders all around us –
starry distance, pulsars, bands of light,
countless forms and lives and loves –
companionship, and
food and rest and waking
and music –
Exit of course, but we’ll depart
Into
The wonder of it all.”

-Laura Tripp

Frank has been a wonderful person presence my 90 years. Our relationship evolved from childhood cousins to brotherly love. My dad, his brother treasured Frank and Elaine’s visits. India was possibly the pinnacle time of his life. Frank dearly loved and was proud of his family. In his many phone calls and letters we heard of your lives. You have made the journey many times to Parry Sound. Merry you have been incredible in your caring, thank you so very much. He loved Algoma, the North was in his genes. It wasn’t easy, he dearly missed Elaine, and his back was painful. As his eyes and hearing failed he still had his delightful humor and incredible intelligence. He was courageous in his principles of justice and love. Every home they lived in was piled with books. Frank was so caring and interested with our family. Thanks Frank for the years of memories. You have dreamed of joining Elaine. We’re already missing you, 😔 Don and Jeanine

-Don and Jeanine Thompson

Weekly visits with Father Frank always included a curry that I brought in gratitude for our shared stories of life in Kerala and Calcutta. The image in his condo of oxen pulling a village cart was one of the many memorable images from our talks together over afternoon tea.
A word that describes the presence I felt with Frank is Grace. He emanated and shared graciousness that nourished my soul. Every visit opened a door beyond chaos to a sense of peace that I felt from him. Our talks were not about peace. We sometimes shared disturbing discussions about humanity in violence, earth and animals in desolation and the political erosion of responsibility for preserving our planet. I recall he named my angst – referring to it as Lamentation. This term seemed to justify my hard anger while opening my heart to soft tears of release.
After Father Frank moved to The Gardens he spoke less of politics and the climate crisis. More and more when we met his energy focused on a poem or writing that assured me of sharing truth and beauty with others. His voice reading poetry held a depth of expression that revealed a razor sharp meaning within the open spaciousness of pauses. During my last visit he told me he regretted his fading mind. A few moments later when I referred to a hymn by the first few words he recited 2 verses from memory. Words remained an enduring part of his being.
I grieve the passing of a dear friend and wise teacher. I rejoice that he is beyond physical constraints.
A last farewell in a language he and I met in our youth long ago. A Bengali expression when leaving someone is “Ami ashtee” which means “I am here”.
From Julia

-Julia Mader

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to this wonderful man who, along with Elaine and their beautiful family, has been such a meaningful part of our lives for more than 50 years.
Both of our families moved into the quiet little village of Doon in 1971, when Megan and our daughter Sherry were just babies. Before long, our home became Megan’s second home as she spent countless hours playing with Sherry. Those two little girls became lifelong friends and share many other wonderful memories such as camping trips at Pinch Island with Frank and Elaine — and, of course, the family dog, Timtar. The Thompsons were truly remarkable neighbours, always offering friendship, kindness, and support through the years. When Sherry and Peter were preparing to be married, the very first person she hoped would officiate the ceremony was Frank. Although timing and distance made that impossible, we were honoured to have Frank and Elaine travel from Parry Sound to attend the wedding as special guests. Jim still treasures a memory from that day: Frank sitting by the pond with a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face. When he caught Jim’s eye, he gave a big “two thumbs up” and a nod, as if to say, “Well done.” One of the things we always admired most about Frank and Elaine was their generosity — not only the muffins Elaine would sometimes send across the street with Megan, but the love, encouragement, and unwavering support they gave to all four of their children, allowing each of them to pursue their dreams. Michael could often be found on the tennis courts back in those days, surely wearing out more than a few pairs of shoes and rackets along the way. Besides that he also followed his other passion and became an acomplished musician. Your parents were both very proud of you Michael. Ian was a thoughtful young man who loved nature and spending time by the river in front of our home. When they went on family camping trips, I was entrusted with caring for the many little pets he kept in his room. During one memorable occasion, his pet white rat unexpectedly gave birth. To this day, I still feel a little guilty that not all of them survived, though I truly did my best. Ian simply reassured me, saying, “That’s okay — it’s natural.” In later years, he went on to become a doctor in the North, work that he truly loves. Then came the day our neighbourhood was blessed to welcome Grace into the family. What a brave and beautiful little girl she was, meeting all of us for the first time. I always enjoyed our little conversations when she visited our home and over the years, she has held a special place in my heart. We were pleased to be invited to celebrate her and John’s wedding in the little chapel in our village. What I suppose I am trying to say to all of you is this: your parents deeply loved their children and grandchildren. They were wonderful parents, and you must be every bit as proud of them as they were of you. They lived a full and meaningful life, and they will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives were richer for having known them. Today as you are all attending Franks service this candle is burning in his memory and the forget-me-nots will be transplanted to a special spot by the pond where him and Elaine will be fondly remembered. With our love and condolences, Jim, Carole and our family.

-Jim and Carole Moore