Francis PUGH

PUGH, Francis (Frank) James
Born Stockport, England
September 28, 1926 - June 24, 2015
It is with deep sadness that the family of Frank Pugh announces his passing, in hospital in Edmonton, aged 89, after falling at home.
Having lost their father at an early age, Frank and his older brother Tony and younger sister Monica were raised in the Manchester area by a very strong mother, Grace, who was Postmistress of Rhodes and later Mayor of Middleton. Frank attended St. Bede's College in Manchester, leaving school midway through the war to assist his mother in the post office. He joined the British Army in 1944 and after the war, continued working in the Army postal service. In late 1948, Frank was recruited by the Bank of Montreal and sailed to Montreal to begin a long and successful career, with postings in Montreal, Newfoundland, Winnipeg, Toronto, and finally in Alberta as a District Manager and Commercial Development Manager, before taking early retirement in 1982 to pursue private financial consultancy. Frank married Marguerite (Joan) Noftall in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland on June 5, 1954 and together they raised six children.
Frank was active in the community, as a member of the Petroleum, Mayfair and Edmonton Country Clubs, and as Vice President of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and Director of the Edmonton Symphony and National Youth Orchestras.
Frank was well-loved for his positive outlook, sociability and enthusiasm for life, and well-respected for his high standards and tenacity. He had a love of music, nature, golf, fine wine and good company, enjoying these in both Edmonton and Palm Springs, California, where he and Joan spent their winters. In his younger days, he enjoyed cycling, skiing and sailing. Friends and strangers alike enjoyed his keen sense of humour and his stories and jokes. His family will lovingly remember sing-a-longs at the piano, camping, sailing, golfing, watching birds, thunderstorms and the Northern Lights with him, and falling prey to the "demon tickler".
Frank is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan, his brother Tony in England, his five children, his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Frank's Life will be held at at the Edmonton Country Club on Thursday, July 2, 2015 from 3 to 5 p.m., with a brief Tribute to begin at 3:15 p.m.