Frank KING

KING, Frank Walter, P. Eng., O.C., LL.D (Hon)
August 22, 1936 - May 9, 2018
Frank King passed away on May 9, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta. Frank is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Jeanette; daughter Linda (Bill) Maslechko; his two sons David (Christine) King and Stephen (Kimberley) King; as well as 9 grandchildren, Michael Stuemer, Christopher Stuemer, Katie Maslechko, Sarah Maslechko, Jenna Maslechko, Zoe King, Vanessa King, James King, and Carter King. Frank was predeceased by his daughter Diane Stuemer; grandson Jonathan Stuemer; sister Ethel King-Shaw; and brother Arthur King.
Frank was born in Redcliff, AB and graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. Chemical Engineering, in 1958, and moved to Sarnia, ON to begin his career in the petrochemical industry. Frank's indomitable entrepreneurial spirit flourished, as he created opportunities with some of his best friends at Ralph M. Parsons and Turbo Resources, participating in Western Canada's oil and gas boom. He came to actively serve in many other sectors as a Board Member with CanWest Global, RioCan, Acclaim Energy, Agrium, Toronto Sun Publishing, Wi-LAN, Networc Health, Air BC, Westaim, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, and advisor to Marsh Canada. He was also an active participant and past President of the Calgary South Rotary Club.
Frank carried an infectious enthusiasm, a can-do attitude, and a passionate love of life. He deeply touched those around him and spent much of his adult life building successful companies and giving back to the community, particularly in sports, where he was an avid athlete, coach, spectator, volunteer and builder.
Frank may have best been known for his roles as Chair of the Olympic Bid Committee and CEO of OCO '88 hosting the XV Olympic Winter Games in Calgary in 1988. He worked as a volunteer for all but the final year of his 10-year commitment to bring Calgary onto the world stage, and leave a legacy for youth. Together with the people of Calgary and all levels of Government, Calgary's western spirit came together to put on the "best ever" games. He chronicled his experience by writing and publishing a book about the inside story of the games, titled "It's How You Play the Game". Frank continued to work closely with the group that is now WinSport, which manages the financial legacy from the Olympics, and participated as an advisor to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Committee. In 1992, he was Co-President of the Canada 125 Committee, commemorating Canada's 125th Birthday.
Frank's outlook and desire to build a better world was recognized with an Officer of the Order of Canada (1988), Olympic Order in Gold from the International Olympic Committee (1988), the Alberta Premier's Order of Excellence (1981 and 1988), an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary (1988), named one of Maclean's Magazine's Top 12 Canadians (1988), Gold Medal Champion d'Afrique (1988), Governor General's 125 Medal (1992), the Canadian Olympic Order (1997), Bnai Brith Honoree (1999), Member Alberta Sports Hall of Fame (2002), the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal (2002), the Calgary Booster Club Builder Award (1988), and Alberta Sportsman of the Year (2003). He was named one of 150 Influential Albertans by the Calgary Herald in honour of Canada's 150th Birthday celebration.
Generous with his friendships, he was the most uplifting and positive person one could imagine, with a sense of humour and gamesmanship that could instantly create fun, wherever he went. He was a thoughtful, loving husband, and a role model father, that was admired, loved and cherished by his grandchildren and the many people he proudly called his friends. Our family and community will miss him dearly.
Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church (3602 8 Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Frank's Life to follow at the Red and White Club (McMahon Stadium, 1833 Crowchild Trail N.W.) from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
The family would appreciate the sharing of personal memories of Frank, by emailing them to memories@cdzking.com. In lieu of flowers, tributes may be made to the Calgary Booster Club Sports Legacy Fund for Amateur Athletes, 2424A University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 3Y9 Telephone: (587) 350-9583. www.calgaryboosterclub.com, or other charity of choice.
In living memory of Frank King, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.