We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Francis J. O'Leary, CD (Ret’d) on 10 October 2017 in Ottawa, ON. Frank worked for over 28 years in Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa and then started his second career of 35 years as Property Master at the National Arts Centre.
Frank Joined the Army Survey Establishment in September 1946. He trained as a Topographical Surveyor and participated in at least fifteen field survey expeditions during his military career. In sequence; he was in the field in 1947 at Churchill MB and Trenton ON and in 1948 returned to Churchill MB with the Tractor Party. 1949 saw him in Cassiar BC and he surveyed in Stephenville NFL in 1950. Frank returned to Manitoba at 1952 at Caribou River and finished the year in Van Kleek Hill ON. Then he was off to Beatton River BC 1953, Churchill MB in 1956 and then to the Northwest Territories for the next two years at Anderson River and Wholdaia Lake. In 1962 he was involved with the Military Town Plan mapping project and subsequently continued with a variety of Field Survey projects. Frank retired from Mapping and Charting Establishment (as the unit was then known) in 1974 after 28 years of service.
Frank was a unit morale builder and booster. His good nature was infectious and he helped organize most social events for the unit and acted as Master of Ceremonies for them. He was a man of many talents who touched the lives of the people he met. Frank lived life to the fullest and had a passion to be physically active. He played hockey in his 70s, golf into his 80s, bowling in his 90s.
Frank loved to be busy. Simple accomplishments made him proud and his service to his community made him happy. He was known for his Frank O'Leary Pancake Breakfast that raised money for Christmas hampers for the needy. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for the Ottawa Sympathy Orchestra fundraiser.
Frank was an entertainer at heart from his early years opening the Ottawa Roughriders football games with the singing of the National Anthem. He also led the Sing-Along-with-Frank on Sunday nights at the Ottawa Bandshell and sang Irish tunes each St. Patrick's Day in several local retirement homes and establishments. He once sang with the RCMP band at the NAC.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, 14 October 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 400 St. Laurent Boulevard. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank O'Leary's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ottawa. Condolences may be offered at condolences@whelanfuneralhome.ca. {kh12Oct17}
