In Celebration of

William Franklin (Frank) Orr

May 28, 1936 -  February 13, 2021

Passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 13, 2021, at Toronto General Hospital in his 84th year. Frank had a long and distinguished career as a sportswriter.

Frank is survived by his brother James (Marilyn) and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Shirley, his wife of 57 years, parents William and Helen Orr of Hillsburgh and Guelph, ON, brother Alex of Fort Erie, ON, sister Betty of Orangeville, ON, sister Margaret of Guelph, ON, brother George of Sault St. Marie, ON and sister Marion of Guelph, ON.

Frank was born on a farm near Hillsburgh, ON in Wellington County. He attended Hillsburgh Public School, Erin District High School and Guelph Collegiate. Although he worked for a short time in radio in Chatham and Sault St. Marie he always had a strong aptitude for writing and sports, combining the two as Sports Editor of the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder and the Guelph Mercury where he composed a daily column. He joined the Toronto Star sports department in 1961 where he covered sporting events on a worldwide basis as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL. He was also at a number of world figure skating championships as well as car racing. Frank has authored more than 30 books both fiction and non-fiction all relating to sports. He was also a contributor to some 60 other books. He was inducted into the media section of the Hockey Hall of Fame on 1989 and in 2003 he received the Sports Journalism Lifetime Achievement Award from Sports Media Canada. He was inducted to the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. Frank enjoyed a longtime relationship with the Corbett, Tassone, Mason and Miller families.

At Frank’s request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be determined when the borders open. Interment will be held at Park Lawn Mausoleum. Donations to a charity of one’s choice in Franks name would be appreciated.

Guestbook 

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Tina De Bartolo (Next door neighbour)

Entered February 15, 2021 from Toronto

We could not have had a nicer neighbour. Will
Cherish the many chats we had about his life in sports and journalism. A wonderful man.
Rest In Peace Frank.

Terry Fraser (Worked with Frank at The Star 1968-1972)

Entered February 18, 2021 from Tillsonburg, ON

When I joined the Star sports department part time while a student and later full time, Frank took me under his wing and made me feel at home. I enjoyed his wit and wisdom and admired his professionalism. He and Jim Kernaghan were a big help to me during my time at The Star.

John Iaboni (Dear Friend & Colleague)

Entered February 18, 2021 from Toronto

I shall always remember the laughter, meals and the trails together - along with a friendship that spanned more than 50 years. It was a true privilege and honour to have shared so much with you and for Ada and I to have known both you and Shirley. May you rest in peace. Deepest condolences to the Orr Family.
John Iaboni

Dan Proudfoot (Friend)

Entered February 19, 2021 from Scarborough

Frank and I often were opponents, covering the Leafs or car racing, he for the Star, me for the Globe or Sun.
After our stories were filed, though, we'd often meet for dinner and these were the times I got to know Frank and understand his deep interest in the athletes as people. Frank had a great curiosity about people no matter what their station in life.
And a great sense of humour: I'm confident many will be commenting on how funny he was.
We've been in touch in recent years, email or telephone. I feel fortunate for that.

Bob Sheppard (Nephew)

Entered February 19, 2021 from London

My heart sank when I got the call to tell me that Uncle Frank had passed away. He was a big man with a huge heart, a wonderful story-teller, a loving and generous support for his entire family. He and Shirley were the perfect couple, always there with friendly smiles and the kindest words.
I know he will be missed by all who knew him, all who basked in the sunshine he radiated.
Our hearts are with you, and you will be a part of our lives always.

Photos 

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