In Celebration of

Donald Edward Franks

January 30, 1939 -  February 21, 2020

Following a fourteen month struggle with congestive heart failure, Don passed away in the comfort of home in accordance with his wishes in the company of Ruth, his wife of 56 years. Don is survived by his sister Doreen [Peter] Sullivan of Niagara Falls, his nieces, Heather Sullivan of Ellicottville, NY and Christine Sullivan [Steve Kyer] of Oshawa, grandnephew Gabriel, and grandniece, Amelia. Predeceased by his parents, Edward [1980] and Jeanne [1965] of Fonthill and his beloved canines, Joujou, BB and Bijou.

Don graduated from McMaster University in Physics [1960], dallied in studies of philosophy at McMaster and the University of Waterloo before entering Osgoode Hall Law School in 1964.

Upon call to the Ontario Bar, he joined the Ontario Labour Relations Board serving as Solicitor and Vice Chairman. In 1974 he was appointed Commissioner to study and report on the bargaining patterns of the Ontario construction industry. His work at the time had a significant impact on how labour negotiations in the construction industry are conducted until this day. In 1985 he moved on to private arbitrations.

Don had an eclectic love of life; classical music, rock and roll, Stratford Festival, crossword puzzles, reading, auto racing, good food, West Coast art/masks, and Netsuke collecting. His hobby as an avid bird watcher led to another, an accomplished wood carver of birds. Some were nothing short of magnificent.

He did not suffer fools easily. But he was the first to reach out and help those he cared about, and inspire them to levels they probably didn’t know they were capable of.

Sadly he suffered from rheumatoid arthritis in his retirement and underwent numerous joint replacement surgeries.

His family is so very grateful for the compassionate care and professional advice of Dr. Linda Klapwyk, Dr. Jessica Zive and Nurse Practitioner, Irena Kesminas of Dorothy Ley Hospice and SRT staff, Tellease, Vlad, Karen, Mary, Joyce, Francis, Deja and Sherene. Special thanks to neighbours at 35 Ormskirk who have been so kind and helpful during Don’s illness.

At Don’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. Cremation has taken place. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Turner and Porter Yorke Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.turnerporter.ca

A gathering of remembrance for family and friends will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honour Don’s passing could consider a donation to Arthritis Research Foundation, Mount Sinai Hospital, 1001-522 University Avenue, Toronto M5G 1W7 (beatarthritis.ca) or to the Dorothy Ley Hospice, 220 Sherway Drive, Etobicoke, M9C OA7 (416 626-0116).

Guestbook 

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Julie Pesonen (Friend of the family)

Entered February 22, 2020 from Richmond Hill

Please know I’m sending my most sincere love and condolences. I only met your husband once but Christine always had such kind and loving things to say about her aunt and uncle. Although I know he’s at peace and resting without pain and suffering, those he left behind are hurting and missing him. Sending strength to all of you. ❤️❤️❤️

Jody Gingras (Weir/Bryan) (Cousin Evelyn Bryan's (Weir) Daughter)

Entered February 23, 2020 from London, ON

Dearest Ruth. My heart goes out to You for the loss of Your beloved Don. I hope You will remember that many others are thinking of You and adding their strength to Yours during this time of sadness & adjustment to life without his physical presence. Even though Loved Ones leave us, their love stays with us....it goes on & on....and this has proven to be a great comfort to me during times of grief. Ruth I may not have known Don well, but You were Evelyn's favourite person....and Don was your favourite person, so I know he was a good man...because You are a loyal, compassionate, committed-in-the-hard times, wonderful woman. Thank You for being this example in our family. You inspire me! Love Always, Jody

Grace Ann Koehler (Friend & former neighbour at 35 Ormskirk Ave.)

Entered February 24, 2020 from BAYFIELD

Dear Ruth & your family,
I send my sincere sympathy to you at this time of Don's passing.
My thoughts are with you as you share so many memories.
Blessings to you, Grace A. Koehler

Paul Seppala (Colleague of Ruth)

Entered February 25, 2020 from Toronto

Very sorry to hear of your loss Ruth. I have some sense of what you both were going through and I hope you can take some small comfort in knowing how much your presence and support would have meant to Donald' in his final phase. He sounds like a remarkable person.

Stefan & Roxanne Czajkowski (Cousin)

Entered February 27, 2020 from Surrey, BC

Ruth, we are so sorry for you loss, so many great memories from my teens growing up around Don.
Loved his extra dry sense of humor!
Love to You,
Sincerely, Stefan & Roxanne

Photos 

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