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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SCOTT-PEARSE, Francis (Frank) - With great sadness we announce the passing of Frank after a short illness. He will be sorely missed by his wife of 67 years, Diane (née Braden) and their children and spouses, Cydney and Wolfgang (Kaster), John, Andrea, and Claire and Sam (Duboc). Grandpa was also adored by his grandchildren, Hanna and Grace Loeppky, and the Duboc brood of Natalie, Madeleine, Kendall and Jack. Born in Perth, Scotland, Frank attended Cargilfield Prep School in Edinburgh, followed by Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, graduating in 1948 as a Sub Lieutenant. After a short stint of active duty, Frank decided on a different life. In 1949 he moved to Canada and enrolled at the Ontario Agricultural College (University of Toronto, Guelph) to study plant breeding. While a student, Frank joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RNC) for several years. It was during his last stint in 1951 when he contracted polio, luckily surviving without any major impediment. Upon graduation, he worked for Dow Chemicals in Sarnia and married Diane in 1954. Inspired by Dow, in 1959 he co-founded Agrospray Chemicals Limited (Sarnia and London), selling agricultural chemicals and later a crop spraying service. In 1970, he moved into crop development when appointed as Director of Research & Business Development at King Grain in Chatham, a highly rewarding role until his retirement in 1994. He built the operation in depth and breadth, producing new varieties of corn - he developed a patented method of producing hybrid canola - soybeans, sorghum, rye/wheat crosses and canola, as he also introduced several new types of crops to Canada. Year-round research was made possible with the creation of a research facility in Chile. Frank followed his wide and varied personal interests in many different directions. Until polio put an end to it, Frank was a runner whose excellent legs not only looked great under a kilt but also made him a champion at middle and long distance running. He even competed for RNC against Olympic athletes in 1948. His curiosity led him to try wine making, becoming a 'rock hound' for a time, and learning the language of any country where he would vacation. One of his enduring passions was evident in his tireless efforts to build a comprehensive family tree. Another was music and singing. For many years, Frank served as Treasurer of Orchestra London (Chatham-Kent Branch) and committee member of Chatham Cultural Centre, arranging a vast array of events. But nothing gave Frank more pleasure than to sing, be it choir music, Christmas carols, Gilbert & Sullivan or Broadway shows. He was an active choir member of Christ Church (Chatham), giving his full-throated best into his late 80s. Loving the theatre and all the fun of being on stage, Frank could be picked out as a cast member in many an amateur production at OAC, the Grand Theatre (London) and Chatham Cultural Centre. To his wife's chagrin, he even grew a very full beard to be fully in character for 'Fiddler on the Roof'. Frank was a fountain of information, ready and able to expound on any given topic, albeit perhaps to a level of detail beyond the grasp of others. He was certainly a great help to his school-age kids. So it was totally in line with his character to volunteer with Canterbury ElderCollege (a non-profit dedicated to lifelong learning for people over the age of 55, affiliated with Univ. of Windsor) when a local branch was set up in 2011. Frank actively served in their Curriculum Development and as a Course Facilitator. Frank's passing leaves a great gaping hole for his wife, his children and grandchildren. We are blessed to have had him in our lives but relieved he is now past the pain. Our bottomless gratitude for the absolutely wonderful staff of the Revera Retirement Resort and the Chatham-Kent Hospice. A private family funeral was held on April 8th. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice in his name would be greatly appreciated. Of course, donations to Canterbury ElderCollege or the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would certainly not go amiss. Arrangements entrusted to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington West, Chatham, 519-352-2710. (The Globe and Mail 10 Apr 2021)
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