In Celebration of

Stephen Frank Ottewell

August 11, 1944 -  April 30, 2024

Frank, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle passed away on Tuesday after a late stage cancer diagnosis last year. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janet (née Archibald); children Jonathan (Julie) and Jillian Lee (Marco). He was predeceased by his parents, Phil (2002) and Marian (2012) and older brother Richard (2008). He loved and adored his three grandchildren Stephen, Nico and Alexander. He will be fondly remembered by Janet’s brothers Stephen (Jane) of Kingston and Craig (Mary Lou) of Brantford and his seven nieces and nephews.

Frank joined the Metropolitan Toronto Police force in 1974 (#5692). Later he joined FIS (Forensic Identification Services) and worked on several high profile cases during his career. He officially retired after 35 years of service in 2010 as a Detective Constable and received the Al Waxman Annual Award for Excellence in the Field of Forensic Investigation.

After retirement Janet and Frank travelled and spent their summers at the family cottage on Pickerel Lake, where they collected friends and many wonderful memories.

In keeping with Frank’s wishes there will not be a public funeral service. He will be interred at St. Philip’s Anglican Church in the Ottewell family plot in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Dorothy Ley Hospice would be most appreciated.

Guestbook 

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Colin Farnum (Neighbour for many years)

Entered May 2, 2024 from Toronto

To Janet and family, we are sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Marilyn and Colin Farnum

Susan Nicholls (friend)

Entered May 4, 2024 from Sundridge

I still have fond memories of the Baltic cruise we took together in 2006 including the train excursion to Berlin. What an adventure that was. More recently we became 'neighbours' when you bought your cottage on Pickerel Lake and we visited back and forth, you coming to Dunromin. Those memories will forever be special, the four of us sharing good times and lots of laughs.
Jan, Frank and Jean will be there in spirit with us when we once again get together. I look forward to that.
Love Sue

Tim Archibald (Nephew)

Entered May 5, 2024

So many great memories visiting Beaverbrook to see the Ottewells when we were kids. My brother and I would always look forward to visiting Uncle Frank and Aunt Janet during the summer. Days spent out in the pool, talking cars with Uncle Frank, memorable hikes with Aunt Janet, drives with Jonathan and making music with Jillian. A wonderful man with a wonderful family. Thank you for the great memories Uncle Frank.

Lots of love,
Tim Archibald
Tim Archibald
May 04, 2024

Mary Lou Archibald (Sister in law)

Entered May 5, 2024

If you knew Frank you know he could fix almost anything he put his mind to fixing, though he once told me “I don’t do plumbing,” had a passion for cars especially the Porsche he somehow convinced Janet was a necessity not a luxury, and would do anything for his family. As much as Frank was a steady and reliable guy, he pulled a few rabbits out of his hat over the years. Like the time he snuck a piano in the house and kept it hidden until the Christmas morning unveiling! Summer visits we could always count on Frank relishing his role as Commander in chief of the beverages and bbq. When Jonathan and Jillian were busy being teenagers, our young boys would gladly follow Uncle Frankie around, pestering him with questions no doubt as he tinkered in the yard or work shop. For many years Janet and Frank graciously hosted me at their home in Etobicoke when I was doing contract work in Toronto. I could always count on Frank to tell me the best way to get to where I was going. After years of driving in and around the city with his police work, Frank was a bit of a road warrior, even volunteering as a driver for cancer patients after he retired. Frank’s legacy as a devoted family man who gave back to his community with his career and volunteer work will no doubt bring comfort to Janet and family.

Paul Griffin PC 6508 (Ret) (Roving SOCO from 1994 to 2014)

Entered May 6, 2024 from Newtonbrook East Ontario

Very sad to see that Frank has died. He was a mentor to me. The serious calls that various Units demanded that the Ident do them. He would see me the SOCO there. Then give me the equipment to do the scene while just offering the advice while looking over my shoulder.