Francis Dunn

Obituary of Francis Clifford Dunn

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It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that his family announces his peaceful passing on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Frank was born April 17, 1926 in Thessalon, Ontario to the late Peter and Clarissa (Ladoucer) Dunn. Cherished husband to Anne (Boyko) Dunn for 63 years. Loving father of Karen (Dunn) Conforzi and her husband Troy of Goulais River. Grandfather of Casey (Osaka, Japan) and Corey (Goulais River). Predeceased by all of his siblings John (late Laurene), Bill (late Ruby), Bert (late Elaine), Azilda, Magna (late Fred), and recently Geneva (late Lloyd). Frank was cherished by his late mother and father-in-law Pearl and Philip Boyko. Frank loved his home and life in Northern Ontario. He moved from Thessalon to Sault Ste. Marie when he was sixteen years of age. He worked at Algoma Steel retiring after 35 years of loyal and faithful service. Between his shift working schedule he also owned and operated Frank Dunn’s Snowplowing Service. He was one of the original members of the Sault Trailblazers Snowmobiling Club. He spent many hours volunteering at Strathclair Farm, the home of the Sault Ste. Marie Horse and Pony Club where his daughter kept her horse Highland Fling. He could be seen repairing fences and completing chores around the property. Frank had a large vegetable garden and loved to share his produce with his neighbours and friends. He was particularly proud of his rhubarb. Frank enjoyed hunting and fishing. He shared a camp north of Searchmont with a group of friends. They called it Porcupine Lodge (Porkie). His summers were spent at his camp on Pineshores Road along the Goulais River. He loved trees and was particularly fond of cedar hedges. He was the neighbourhood tree expert and would advise as to how to limb up, cement patch or just chop it down. For many of us who knew him well, the sound of a chainsaw will have us pause in memory of him. At camp he would spend countless hours puttering on ‘ideas’ with his neighbour Peter. The two would travel back and forth between their properties from tool shed to boat house. They even planted acorns with resulting oak trees. Many camp evenings were enjoyed playing Canasta with the Brooks’. Frank was known for giving the deck away. Frank enjoyed music and he loved to sing and dance. He was proud of his Irish heritage. He would dress up in tradition to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day right down to a beautifully carved cane that he fashioned himself. His Irish eyes would smile as he danced his jig. Nothing would make Frank’s blue eyes dance more than when he spoke about his two grandsons. He was so proud of them and their accomplishments. He taught them how to enjoy the simple things in life like how to save things you will never use. He shared this skill with other family members and friends over his years. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Post 25. A private graveside service was held for Frank on Monday, April 27, 2020 at twelve hundred hours. A beautiful rendition of You Are My Sunshine preceded the service. A recording of his grandson playing a piano solo of Wild Irish Rose followed. Last Post Concluded. The sun was shining, and the sky was a beautiful blue. Memorial donations to The Goulais Fire and Rescue Volunteers would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). At the going down of the sun And in the morning We will remember them