Frank C. DeSaix

Frank DeSaix Obituary

Frank Calhoun DeSaix
Chapel Hill
Frank Calhoun DeSaix, born August 9, 1941 quietly passed away February 11, 2012.
He led a full life as a Peace Corps volunteer, naturalist, author, woodworker, musician, and teacher. He taught English in Asheville, NC and Chuka, Kenya as well as ESL and classical guitar in Nairobi, Kenya. Frank discovered a new species of snake, Atheris desaixi while in Chuka and then went on to work with the Nairobi Snake Park and the National Museum of Kenya. Returning to the US, he served as Director of the Asheville Nature Center, as General Curator and Curator of Exhibits at the Oklahoma City Zoo and as exhibits designer for the Bronx Zoo in New York City. He also published three children's books. In Chapel Hill, Frank worked with Club Nova and the Mental Health Association of Orange County. For all these accomplishments, Frank will be remembered most for the way he touched everyone with his warmth, humor, and caring.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Pierry F. and Christine C. DeSaix. He is survived by his brothers Peter DeSaix of Chapel Hill, NC and John C. DeSaix of Lovettsville, VA and sister Mimi DeSaix Harshbarger of Christiansburg, VA.
A memorial service will be held February 28 at 3:00 PM at The Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church, Chapel Hill. Internment will be at a later date at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Asheville, NC.

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Published by The News & Observer from Feb. 22 to Feb. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank DeSaix

6 Entries

Ken Hiatt

May 3, 2025

I knew Frank when he ran the Asheville Zoo ('72, '73?). My Mom (a Librarian) and he were good friends. I was maybe 12 ans and worked at the park doing whatever odd jobs let me be near the animals. What I remember most was building a 15' wall from the the broken concrete of the old swimming pool to backdrop the deer enclosure and that I got to take the orphaned Lion cub Bawana home some nights when he was too young to be left alone. This didn't turn into a life work for me but I've never not had cats living with me. Thank you, Frank, for teaching me. (Relationship: Friend, Teacher, Coworker)

Selina Naik

July 26, 2022

I was very sorry to learn of Frank´s passing. I knew him in Asheville and recently bought two of his children´s books.

Adam Michie

June 22, 2020

I just Googled and found this info. I'm sorry I didn't reconnect with Frank, he was my classical guitar teacher 1969-70 at the East Africa Conservatoire of Music in Nairobi. I was 13 years old and he got me started on joyous journey of music. He also house sat while my parents were out of town, looking after my sister Sarah and I, for a short time. I remember we thought he was cool, because he didn't make us eat our vegetables! I was reminded of knowing Frank at that time because my sister sent me a newspaper clipping from May 30, 1970, The Nation article about the conservatory, with a picture of Frank giving me one of his lessons. I still play happily almost every day, thanks Frank!

Neil Kirby

September 18, 2012

I was about 10years old, living in Kenya around 1970 having moved there from England with my family.
Frank was my guitar teacher for a period. I remember walking around his house showing me his reptile collection in which he clearly took great pride. I remember he showed me the book which had his snake listed.
He also took me for a spin in his old Rover car once.
He managed to get me as far as second place in the Kenya National Music Festival.
It seems like a long time ago.
Good memories of a great teacher.

Burke with Bolivian children

Kathleen Burke Dillon

July 5, 2012

I was close to Frank during his days in Kenya. I will always remember the first time I saw him, on his motorcycle with a boa around his waist! I tried to find him before with no success. This time when I googled him I learned that he had died. I am so sorry I never found him again while he was alive.
So many memories from Watamu Bay and from the Kenyan bush.
Kathleen Burke Dillon

February 25, 2012

Frank was my big brother and he looked after me for all his years, being I am his only sister. He has been living in an assisted living facility for the past 5 years or more in Carrboro, NC. Frank was diagnosed with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer two and one-half weeks before he died. I visited Frank on Saturday the 4th of February and on Sunday the 5th. He looked at me as I entered his room and called to me as in disbelief. We held hands each moment we were together. On Saturday Frank told stories of the four of us growing up together. Our nephew, Todd and brother, John were there and we laughed so much! John and I convinced Frank to take the pain medicine before we left late that afternoon and visited the next day.
On the 5th he was on pain medication and relaxed. Still lucid. Again, we held hands. We had another wonderful visit. As we said good bye to each other he told me he had always loved me and I would be OK and so would he. I have always loved my big brother and said so. Frank said he would not be alive the next weekend and that is why he wanted me there this weekend. John said he had never seen such a beautiful good bye.
Frank was at Peace the following week and died the 11th at 2:15 p.m.
He had not taken pain meds before I arrived. He was waiting for me.
He will always be loved by me and he will be the one and only big brother I have. Mimi

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