Francis Joseph McGuigan

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Frank (Francis Joseph) McGuigan on April 20, 2023, at the age of 78. Frank was predeceased by his mom, Winnifred McGuigan (née Hanna), and dad, Francis John McGuigan, and sadly just last summer, his sister Lucianne McGuigan Dilkes.

Frank was born in Toronto, Ontario on August 31, 1944, growing up in Mississauga, Ontario. He studied psychology at Lakehead University, Ontario, after which, life guided him into a rewarding and successful career in management at the Federal Government’s Department of External Affairs, Training and Development Division. There, he created and implemented overseas programs in foreign languages, intercultural relations and training programs related to international affairs.

An avid traveller, Frank was passionate about the African continent, going there frequently and for extended periods. He fell in love with the trade business over the years and eventually co-founded a chain of stores specializing in African artifacts. ‘Giraffe’ prospered throughout Ontario and Quebec. His fascination with foreign countries and cultures even extended to India, Australia and beyond.

Just short of retiring, he was informed “with regret” that the Feds were cancelling his program for fiscal reasons. With no work being sent his way, Frank had already headed to Montreal, had fallen in love with the city and made it his home for the rest of his life.

He couldn’t have been happier, living on The Plateau with all its shops and restaurants. Every day began with an Americano coffee, a pastry, and a couple of newspapers.

During this time Frank developed an expertise in photography and videography. He made

many friends who shared his interests and ideologies. They became his chosen family.

Frank had always loved walking and had covered the 9.5 km to work and back every day he was employed. Montreal is made for walking, so Frank especially enjoyed the trek up the mountain and home again. He was particularly proud to find the perfect pair of new walking shoes at a very modest price. And by the way, you can take them with you.

Frank embraced the many treasures of his mother's and grandmother’s Syrian culture –

especially the cuisine – and lovingly shared them with his friends over the years. He had

maintained his grandmother’s yogurt culture, brought all the way from Syria, until just a

couple of years ago. He would double-drain all the sour whey from the yogurt to make his prized labneh, a smooth and creamy dip or spread on bread, meat, fish.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his best friend Eli, and his family of the heart: Cecile, Ian, Jennifer, Kathy, Stephanie, Sunny and Veronika, his cousin Marlene, his step-sister Valerie, his nephew Fred, his friend Kym, his friend Pierre ''the medicine man'', and many other friends and loved ones. It is a testament to his kind and loving nature that so many were with him during his final hours.

Thanks to the staff at Hôpital de Verdun. Your tender patience and care made Frank’s final days as comfortable as they could possibly be.

Frank, we will always carry your memory in our hearts.