Frank William Pratt

With broken hearts we share the devastating news of the sudden loss on December 15th of Frank, who had been blessed with excellent health until very recently. Frank was a beloved husband and partner of Diane for over 56 years, a loving and supportive Dad/Papa to Tracy, Lindsay, Bryan and Quinn and father-in-law to Mark, Sue and Laurie, a doting and proud Grandpa/Grampy to Bryce, Rayne, Mason, Ryder and Raigan and a special brother to Dave and brother-in-law to Fran. Frank was pre-deceased by his parents Frank Sr. and Claire and granddaughter Gwendalyn.

Family, and maintaining family traditions, were the singular most important aspects of his life. Retiring in his mid-50s, he devoted his retirement to his family, their well-being, their education, their advancement and their wardrobe (it gave him great joy to shop for family members, finding unique, colourful clothing and watches to perfectly suit individuals). Although COVID-19 brought disappointing restrictions, he embraced the world of Zoom, long walks, crossword puzzles and socially distanced hugs. His love for, and fierce loyalty to, his family and close friends were never in doubt.

As “snowbirds” for over 20 years, Frank and Diane shared a colourful second home and community in Pelican Bay, Naples, Florida. Frank loved the location – with the beach, restaurants and concert venue within walking distance – the weather, running on the beach for years and then biking the berm (and, yes, the Miromar outlet mall). Frank and Diane thoroughly enjoyed their lives in the south, but the highlight always was family visits – of which there were many over the years.

He had an enduring fondness for Disney World, a place Diane and he visited countless times with their children as they were growing up. Then, at the beginning of 2012, it was the venue for an amazing once-in-a-lifetime vacation with the entire immediate family – 14 in all! Once he found something he liked, he never tired of it (which also explains the 50 boxes of cereal he would bring back with him to London from the U.S. every spring). Musical theatre, concerts and travel with family also became adored activities. Frank was an avid sports player and vocal sports fan throughout his life. Many family members shared his passion. For decades, sporting events were a regular family activity. The last time the family was together on Thanksgiving weekend, he was on the beach at Port Stanley playing a game of Bocce ball.

Frank was raised in Brantford. He met Diane and several cherished friends when he attended the University of Western Ontario. He graduated from the Ivey Business School in 1964. Frank and Diane raised their family in London, enjoying many summer visits to Long Point and Toronto, and traveling Canada. They built tight community ties in the neighbourhood in which they have lived for over 50 years, at Metropolitan United Church’s Couples Club Plus, through their respective careers and through their children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

Frank enjoyed a fulfilling and successful career at Canada Trust in various senior leadership (ultimately Sr. VP) and mentoring roles within marketing and, just prior to the merger with TD, strategic development. It was meaningful for Frank that he worked for a Canadian company. He was a creative, meticulous, and principled individual who charted his own path. For years, he was known as the “sweater guy”. Mentored initially by J. Allyn Taylor, in his professional life, Frank lived the expectations he had for others and fostered a team environment with lots of room for laughter. Frank conceived of, and helped implement, several innovative marketing campaigns including “8 to 8, 6 days straight”, win a car give-aways and a collaboration with Johnny Cash respecting Canada Trust’s “Johnnycash” ATM.

With a strong commitment to community service and equality issues, Frank dedicated extensive time and leadership skills to charitable organizations including the then YMCA-YWCA, and Goodwill. He was a strong supporter of UWO and was thrilled that so many family members were graduates or current students.

Although stubborn, and often inflexible, he also was whimsical (countless unique stuffed animals live in his homes), humourous, chatty and caring. He loved Christmas. It was the time of year when many family activities would be planned, songs would be sung, colourful lights would shine everywhere and generous gifts would be exchanged. The family’s foundation has been rocked to its core this Christmas, and we ache with sadness. But we will bond together knowing that life is precious and Frank/Dad/Papa/Grandpa/Grampy lives always in our hearts and memories.

There will be a private family celebration of life. Donations in memory of Frank can be gratefully directed to Ark Aid Street Mission, www.arkaidmission.com, 696 Dundas Street, London, N5W2Z4.