- BUSSIÈRES, Colonel Francis Frank Anthony
Montréal, Québec, 24 August, 1927
Calgary, Alberta, 21 August, 2016.
Husband. Father. Gunner. Soldier. Educator. Storyteller. Gentleman.
Family first. Man of strong faith. Dedicated. Social. English et français. Inquisitive. Fiercely fair. Sometimes stubborn. Clever humour that brings a smile. Always Frank with a twinkle in his eye. Our father passed away in comfort, surrounded by family on Sunday, 21 August, 2016, at the Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary. Dad now joins Mary Frances (Bailey) Bussières, his loving wife of 58 years, three years after she passed away.
He leaves behind his daughters Yolande (Dr. Paul Boiteau), Michelle (Robert Walsh), Simone Bussières (Richard Speiss), and his son Jean-François (Melanie Kwong). GrandPaw leaves behind Patrick, Tanya, and Tamara Boiteau (Nicole Merrick). Grandfather leaves behind Christopher Sympornious George and Brittany Walsh (Dr. Michael Martyna). Frank is survived by his brother Peter (Mary Ann) Bussiere, Carolyn Bowerman, Bernard ODowd, and members of his extended family, Bill Bailey and Bob Bailey. Uncle Frank also leaves behind his wonderful nieces and nephews. They saw him as a confident and strong man whose presence was greater than his actual physicality. He is predeceased by his siblings Frank (Sr.), Joan, and Ruth Elizabeth.
Frank was proud of making a difference as a family man, Gunner, soldier, and officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Rank mattered not to him, only respect. He loved structure, but was the first to take a practical approach to every situation. Be it in the Army (1951-1982), in the Congo with the United Nations (1961), in Valcartier for 5 RALC (1968-1970), in Québec for the FLQ Crisis (1970), in Montréal for the Olympics (1976), HQ 5e Groupe Brigade du Canada and HQ CFB Valcartier (1977-1980), or in Ottawa for the education of Canadian military children in Canada and Europe.
He often used the phrase coalface referring to the actual work needed to get a job done, not just talking about it. He always got his hands dirty and was interested in peoples true experiences especially those of his soldiers. A soldiers officer, who deeply respected his men and women. And, as attested by those he served with, they trusted him. Frank would often say, to everyone, including grandchildren: Selection and maintenance of the aim. What do I want? Peace, love, and understanding. My greatest virtue is my humility.
A man who always said Grace before dinner, and blessed his children at night: Good night. God bless you. Mary Mother watch over you and your Guardian Angel guard you. Ubique.
A Memorial Mass and reception will be held at:
St. Pius X Church, 2424 - 24 Avenue NW, Calgary,AB on Friday, September 16, at 2p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's memory to:
STARS Air Ambulance Foundation (Alberta) https://foundation.stars.ca/AB-tributegift
PO Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7
or call 1-855-516-4848
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1927 - 2016 (89 ans)
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