Frank Gannon

Francis "Frank" Gannon passed away on August 22, 2022 in Vermilion, Alberta at the age of 88 years.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years Florence; children Lora Gannon (Nick Marcetta), Virginia Barlow, and Derrick (Brigette) Gannon; grandchildren Edward Shawn Hampton-Gross (Julie McCarron), Amber Charland, Chelsea (Jean-Bernard) Pellerin, Christopher Barlow, Bryan Blanchette, Emily Gannon and Kayla Gannon; great grandchildren Adeline & Evelyn Hampton– McCarron, Dylan & Avery Thomas and Louis Pellerin; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Thomas & Kathleen Gannon; siblings Dorothy McLean, Bill Gannon, Sheila Falyk, Leo Gannon, Gloria Kusher, and Kevin Gannon; and nephew George Gannon.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the Vermilion Royal Canadian Legion, 5144 Railway Ave, Vermilion.

The link to view the service can be found at https://youtu.be/UhbKCVzQanc

Memorial Donations may be made to the Friends of Vermilion Health Center, The Kidney Foundation or charity of one’s choice.

In the year 1934, on January 11th, Frank was born, with Mrs. Shattuck being the mid-wife. He was the middle child of seven children. His school years were at Kokanee School. His first job was with Jack Tucker west of Vermilion. During this time, he picked up the saying ‘Judas Priest’ which stayed with him for his lifetime. Later he was a rig hand in Drayton Valley.

In 1953, on the advice of Jack Wright, Frank joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age of 17. His basic training was in Eastern Canada. After training, he served at Trenton where he serviced aircrafts that flew troops, and supplies, to Korea. During his posting in Penhold, Alberta he met, and married, Florence Tattersall in 1956.

During their 65 years of marriage, Frank and Florence were posted to several locations by the RCAF. Initially they were posted to Winnipeg for 12 years. Here they started their family of Lora, Virginia, and Derrick. While in Winnipeg, Frank represented the RCAF in several boxing competitions. In 1967, he spent nine months touring Canada with the Armed Forces Tattoo. Frank also participated in the boxing at the 1967 Pan Am Games. After touring with the Tattoo, the family was posted to the Air Force base in Baden Baden, Germany for three years. While posted to Baden Baden, Frank enjoyed travelling Europe with his family, square dancing with Florence, and making new friends.

After fulfilling his commitment in Baden Baden, Frank was posted back to Canada in Edmonton. He completed the remainder of his 28 years of service in Edmonton. While in Edmonton, Frank worked hard to build a nest egg for his family by working extra hours fixing vehicles at a local garage. During this period, he took some breaks enjoying the odd fishing or hunting trip. When he retired from the Air Force in 1980, Frank returned to his roots.

He bought some land in the Vermilion area and began living his dream. This dream was later named ‘Hidden Lake Ranch.’ On the ranch he trained horses, helped neighbors with their cattle round ups and brandings, and essentially everything that was cowboy living. Having cows of his own Frank would practice cutting and competing in Saskatchewan. He also enjoyed Team Penning, and Team Sorting at the local events in Vermilion. However, he most enjoyed working with the up-and-coming cowboys at the Lakeland College Rodeo Club. Throughout the years of Frank helping, many students became extended family.

As the years moved on Frank, and Florence, established a pet boarding business, a trail riding business, and a small campsite. All were well received, and several people have commented that they enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the campsite, and friendliness of the owners. A family friend even had a wedding there that turned into a ‘shotgun wedding,’ with Frank holding the shotgun. It was a great time had by all.

Frank and Florence were also able to enjoy their love of travel. They travelled to Alaska, Ireland, and South Africa. These are just a few of the many places that they travelled together, along with many camping trips.

Franks grandchildren were a great joy to him, even if his nickname was ‘Grumpy,’ he loved them all. Frank enjoyed taking the grandchildren camping, teaching them the love of animals, watching parades, and having a good game of dice. On one occasion the grandkids were visiting and having fun in the rainwater. Frank was worried that all the water might run out, and he got a little annoyed. Later Avery told her mother that Papa got a little upset and Grandma gave him a ‘time out.’ Frank was also Louis’s ‘Sea Horse,’ pushing Louis around on his walker.

Frank’s last days were filled with quad rides to go check on the cows, and the campsite. He completed a lot of word find puzzles, and especially enjoyed visiting with friends and telling stories.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank Gannon, please visit our floral store.