I first met Frank through the "Carletones", the Carleton University choir probably in 1962, and we fast became good friends - sharing a love of music of all sorts, wine, good food and good fun. Our friendship continued after graduation through the Ottawa Choral Society, and I think it was he who got me involved in Orpheus where we were chorus for "Mame" and a summer review at the Astrolab in '73 before I moved to Alberta.

Frank and I frequented the Riverside Lounge piano bar where he was often asked to take over on the pianist's break instead of recorded drivel. He would challenge me with 'recognize this show tune' as he played the intro - I usually lost! I also remember his excitement when the only authentic Chinese Restaurant in town (diplomats ate there but the name escapes me) translated its Chinese menu into English. In preparation he cooked a Chinese meal for my new wife and I and taught us to use chopsticks. This was followed by an excursion to the real thing.

I would say that in the 60's and even after I got married in '71, Frank was one of my best friends. We ate in Little Italy where he lived, explored historic Ottawa and generally had good times together. In a way Frank was responsible for my first formal date with my wife-to-be in that he and I had tickets to the newly-created NACO's summer series, and he could not get back from Toronto in time to use a set, so I asked her using the oldest (and true) line in the world, 'a friend couldn't use these tickets and would you like to tonight…' and we have been together now 45 years. Frank was the organist for our wedding, having to transcribe Grieg's Huldigungsmarch only days before the event for Jane's processional - a fact he occasionally reminded me of.

Our paths did not cross much in later years when I returned to Ottawa, but we would sometimes be in the same line-up for Chamberfest or Music and Beyond, and have a brief chat.

Frank will be missed by me for the memories: wine, music, history, travel, and hi-jinks in the Bass sections of the OCS and Orpheus. A life fully lived, but way too short.