Frank Anton

ANTON, Dr. Frank R. B.Sc. (Econ.), M.A., Ph.D. 21 June 1920 - 3 January 2015 Frank died peacefully in Victoria, BC among family and friends after a long and happy life which touched many people around the world. To many of us he was an icon of good will, friendship and fun. He was an intellectual who imparted wisdom and knowledge in a humble and simple way. He leaves an incredible network of friends and family who greatly admired him. Frank was born on 21 June 1920 in Stradbally, Ireland - the fifth of 11 children of Norman and Teresa Anton. His birth was registered in error as 22 July 1920 resulting in confusion to this day! He was a very bright student and was studying pharmacy in England when World War II broke out. In 1940 he joined the Royal Air Force and trained as an Observer/ Navigator. He was shot down in a Lancaster bomber over Nuremberg in February 1943 and was one of three of the seven crew to survive. He was imprisoned in Stalag 8B, in Lamsdorf, which is now in Poland. In the prison camp he advanced his education, learned languages and became intrigued by economics. He survived the grueling forty day forced march westward ahead of the advancing Soviet Army in January 1945. Back in England he passed the entrance exams to the London School of Economics in 1946. Following graduation with a B.Sc. in 1950, he followed other relatives to Canada where he worked first with the Export Development Corporation in Ottawa and then taught Economics at the University of New Brunswick. His next move was to Los Angeles as a researcher at UCLA, where he obtained his M.A. From there he returned to Canada in 1956 to the University of Alberta, Edmonton. His final move was to Calgary in 1957 to form the nucleus of academic staff for what was later to become the University of Calgary. He received his Ph.D. in Economics from the London School of Economics in 1962. He was appointed University of Calgary Economics Department Head in 1967. He was instrumental in building the Economics Department and contributed his wisdom and integrity to the development of the University. He was highly regarded by all faculty and students. Everyone respected his knowledge and sought his guidance. He authored many papers and books, among them the student text book "Economics in a Canadian Setting" with M. Inman, and contributed to the resolution of many industrial labour disputes. He retired in 1985 and travelled and read extensively. He spent most winters in San Francisco where he attended as many operas and symphonies as he could. His home remained in Calgary and when his health started to decline restricting his travel, he decided to retire to Victoria in 2013 to avoid winters. His many friends and family in Victoria were delighted to welcome him and embraced his presence. Frank Anton was a charming, enlightened and unique man. He leaves a long list of people from all walks of life who held him in the highest regard and considered themselves fortunate to have known him. He will be missed by all - particularly his special friend since 1947, Irene Ebersbach in Hannover, his brother Ron Anton in Medicine Hat and his sister Eva Furlong in Dublin. There will be two occasions to bid farewell to Frank. In Victoria on Friday 1 May 2015 from 2 to 4 PM, and in Calgary on Sunday 14 June 2015 from 2 to 4 PM. For details contact: smyth@telus.net