STEVEN ALLAN FRANK

1945 - 2022

FRANK, STEVEN ALLAN March 31 1945 - January 13 2022 With his family, including his friend of 50 years John, by his side, Steven left us after a restless night, a peaceful sleep and a final goodbye. Characteristically, his main concern lay in how we would be able to let go and cope without him in this world. Steven was born in March 1945 to Helen and Leon Frank. He inherited his gentle nature from Leon, his charisma and vivacious character from Helen. Steven was especially close to his parental grandparents Goldie and Kopple, where his sister Sandy and he spent most weekends. Uncle Bill, Aunt Mattie and big cousin Shelagh completed this close family unit and they remained so throughout his life. Later on Sandy's children Shari and Arthur joined, family members with whom Steven maintained very close ties. After deciding to definitely not follow his dad's footsteps in the garment industry, Steve attended hairdressing school and soon opened a store of his own in Manhattan followed by a second location where a large component of his clientele was part of the LGBTQ and Drag Queen community. Around this time, he married his 1st wife Sandra. Their son Todd was born in 1968. The marriage ended a couple of years after Todd's birth. To Steven's greatest regret, family dynamics did not allow Steven to stay close to Todd and as a result they were not able to develop a relationship. Much later he was able to reunite with Todd's daughter Melissa and they remained close until his death. Following the marital breakdown, Steven embarked on an Odyssey travelling across Europe, the middle east and far east to India. These travels are part of some of Steven's most legendary stories. He lived on a kibbutz where he learned the art of milking cows amongst other bucolic pursuits, travelled in Afghanistan when it was still a kingdom and he and his friends, Max and Steve. parked their camping van in the center of the Acropolis after taking a wrong turn travelling in Athens at night. Tourist were wondering where these young gods had come from. Travelling back to the U.S. via London, he met his 2nd wife Annette. After spending time in London, New York and Duesseldorf, they decided to try their luck in Canada. It was a great decision. Toronto was where they met their lifelong friend John Hill who introduced them to Killaloe, a small village in the Ottawa Valley. Here they found a large community of like-minded friends. Steven joined the Stone Fence Theatre Company where he met many people who became close friends, Barry and Lucy, Fran, Lee, Lani, Ed, Marnie, Heinz, Ish, and many more. Lucy, Barry and Fran joined in many adventures, travelling to Mexico, Nicaragua and to the Stratford festival. Another source of fun was the poker club with his friends John, Lee, Richard and Jim - many a long night spent shooting the breeze. And of course, the Killaloe Fair, which provided much-needed income in those early days but nevertheless also a lot of fun with great music. In order to support their family which began with the birth of Noah in 1976, Steve and Annette started their career in business, running a health food store in Killaloe. Sean followed Noah in 1981, as did Andre in 1986. Over these years, the business expanded into producing granola and baked goods for the health food industry in Ottawa, Montreal, Kingston and Toronto. During those days, raising their boys took as much precedence as growing their business and all the children were involved - whether helping wrap granola bars or going on delivery with Dad. These were precious times for Steve and his boys, it's when they learned about business and all 3 became excellent drivers (and salesmen!). Steve became a volunteer with many of the team sports at high school and many of the boys' friends became close to him. This is when his nickname became "pops", for he was pops to many. Many of these young men benefited from his open-minded and caring nature when they needed a friend and mentor. As time moved on, Noah and then Sean decided to make Stephano's their career. With this added energy, business growth expanded and soon needed a new home. In 2011, the decision was made to move Stephano's to Toronto as this is where the growth opportunities lay and Noah and Sean had made their home. So the last 10 years have been an expansion of both family and business. Sean met Michele, their daughter Dakotah was born in 2015, Annina in 2018. Steven was incredibly close to them. They loved their "papa", the baby whisperer, always approachable and full of fun. Many, many a thank you to the palliative care team at Trillium-Acclaim: Heather, Julie, Jenani, Michelle and Dr. Gupta. Without your help Steven would not have been able to remain at home which was so important to all of us. A warm thank you to his family doctor Dr. Martin, care practitioner Candice. To the members of our "extended family": Bear – your pendant never left him and gave great comfort. Thank you to the Hill family, the La Fontes, Hooker Family, The Goldie Family, The Weiss Family, Ben and Yulia, Vanessa, Jan, Oscar, Kore, Sarah, and our many friends in Killaloe who have been so supportive. Lola, our dear friend who always shares her true self. Soul brother Steven Ornstein and Ellen Ibelshauser-Muller. Fran and Lucy - it has been so comforting to know that you are there with us. Alejandra, who joined the family in 2016 as Andre's partner. Our darling Katya, Udo, Natalie and Joshua so much part of this family and of Steven's heart. John, a soulmate who accompanied Steven until he could not follow. If you would like to share a memory, please email: Annette.blaeske2012@hotmail.ca The legacy he leaves behind can be found in his 3 beautiful and gentle sons Noah, Sean and Andre, his grandchildren Melissa, Dakotah and Anina, his great-grandchild Jace and the many kids and friends he touched with his spirit of generosity, pixyish nature, and willingness to meet you on your own terms. And of course, Stephano's which has grown to produce cereals and health food products with a staff of more than 100 co-workers. We have planned a celebration of life in Killaloe in summer, details will be forthcoming.