FRANCIS LEWIS AUSTIN

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FRANCIS LEWIS AUSTIN 1934 - 2016 On Thursday, March 24, 2016, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Frank passed away at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg, MB, with his family by his side. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife Mary; and their children, son James ("JT") (Justine); and daughter Zoé (Matthew); as well as his daughters, Mary and Melanie (Kieran); his grandchildren and his sister Anita Goddard, of Suffolk. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Herbert Lewis and Mary Constance; as well as his sister Mary Goleeke. Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, he attended McGill University and then began his career with The Bank of Montreal, spending his early years working abroad. He then joined Montreal Trust Company, with which he spent many years, holding positions in Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg. In 1991, having already retired, Frank moved with his family from Montreal to Winnipeg, where he became involved in many endeavours, including helping people with disabilities to find employment, campaigning for and strongly supporting the Liberal Party, and came to be very much involved in his children's activities and education. Eventually, Frank found his dream job working at Harbourview. His summers were spent enjoying the many golfers that came by "his" starter's shack, and winter in the pro shop brought with it many skiers and skaters. After 16 years, he moved on to Southside Golf Course with his dear friend Stephen. Unfortunately, though it perturbed him greatly, his illness forced him to retire at the age of 80. Frank had a great many passions and hobbies. Amongst them, he delighted in being able to identify any bird that flew his way; his love of music was both unrivalled and vast; and he was a voracious reader and lifelong learner. But Frank will be remembered most for his great gift of conversation. Always a story to be told, a debate to be had, a letter to the editor to be written, or, on the other side of things, an ear to be lent. He made friends everywhere he went, and he never forgot a name. Our sincerest thanks to CancerCare Manitoba for many years of care, and our deepest gratitude to the palliative care staff on 3 East at Riverview Health Centre for their compassion, care and genuine humanity during Frank's final battle. "A gentleman to the end." In honour of Frank's wishes, cremation has taken place, and no service will be held. His family requests that those who want to honour him, do so privately and in their own way - raise a glass of your favourite beer or scotch, play a game of golf in his honour, or just perform an act of kindness for a stranger. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9 or Riverview Health Centre, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2P4. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2016