We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Frank Wawrychuck, CD (Ret’d) on 1 November 2023 in Abbotsford BC, at the age of 88 years.
Frank was born to his Ukrainian immigrant parents in Thorold ON and grew up in Thorold and Toronto. During his school years, he was active in Boy Scouts, army cadets, and several sports, including basketball, lacrosse, gymnastics, and softball. He maintained a keen interest in sports throughout his life.
The direction for Frank’s life was set during the summer of 1953 when he worked on the TransCanada Highway survey crew in the Rockies. By the end of the summer he had decided to become a civil engineer and he had developed a love of the mountains. Frank enrolled in the Canadian Army in 1954 to pursue his engineering degree, which started his 34-year career as a Military Engineer with a wide range of interesting assignments.
Frank was the first Commanding Officer of the Airborne Field Squadron when the Airborne Regiment was formed in 1968 and he became an experienced parachutist. He was next the Base Construction Engineering Officer at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton AB. Frank was appointed Commandant of the School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack from 1974 to 1976. After that tour, he was seconded to the Atomic Energy Control Board (1976-77) before becoming the Base Technical Services Officer in Kingston ON (1978-81). For his final posting, Frank was Deputy Chief of Staff for Technical Services at Training Systems Headquarters in Trenton ON (1982-85).
Frank and his wife Kate became members of the Alpine Club of Canada in 1970, and they made a major contribution to the club as hut custodians in the Rockies for many years. Frank developed his mountaineering skills and knowledge at annual climbing camps. He was eager to share his passion for the mountains with others, and he brought his expertise to the Chilliwack Outdoor Club starting in 1988. Frank and Kate organized and led climbing and sea kayaking trips for many years, introducing numerous club members to amazing adventures.
Frank’s Immediate family will gather to celebrate Frank’s life. A memorial gathering for other family and friends will be held at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to Movember Canada, Team Wawrychuk and Plan International Canada. Online Condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
