Mr. McKitrick was my English teacher, and my performing arts teacher. His sense of humour was corny, vaudeville and perfect for a drama teacher. I am not musically gifted, but I loved the theatrical world Mr. McKitrick showed me. His world was exciting, with creation, passion and music. I was reading a biography of Joni Mitchell and saw she grew up in Fort Macleod, the same town I would later grow up in. In her biography Joni kept talking about "Frankie McKitrick" and I flashbacked remembering him and I talking about Fort Macleod. Joni spoke of putting on silly plays with Frankie and singing and connecting with a like-minded artistic soul, albeit at a young age, and in a desolated part of the prairies.

I had to know. I was able through the help of one of his daughters to connect with my former high school teacher through email. We wrote back and forth and I thanked him for his influence, and inquired if he was the same "Frankie" was Joni Mitchell's biography. And sure enough it was him.

And it added another layer to this incredible man.

Thank you Mr. McKitrick for choosing to spend your days slogging through public education trying to teach culture, music and beauty to children, who were about as far from Broadway as one can get. But you brought Broadway to us, and for that I will be forever thankful.

I will never forget Mr. McKitrick and his incredible talent...he was my choral director at SWC in the early 90's. I remember his silly sense of humor, how he could play the piano behind his back, and he had this "nasty" habit of, on purpose, never quite finishing the last chord of a song just to annoy us...picture "shave and haircut, six..." with out the final chord on bits! He would get up and walk away from the piano leaving the second last chord hanging. One of us would often jump to the piano and hit the last chord...

So much fun doing Choral concerts with his creative costumes and dance moves...he truly inspired me and was one of my favorite teachers of my high school years. Rest in peace, Mr. McK!

Andrea Black (nee Long)

Mr. Mckitrick, the mixed chorus, and the experience of participating in musical productions at SWC helped me to find my voice and my passion. I am forever grateful for Mr Mckitrick’s encouragement and generosity with his time and talents. Thank you for the memories. Saddened by this loss.

My sincere condolences to Frank’s family and partner in the loss of a great friend and talented musician and teacher who shared his love and music with so many in the community in his lifetime. I will miss him as a dear friend and colleague in the performances with the Silver Stars.

In loving memory,

Jean Mekitiak

Greg,I am so sorry for your loss.I would love to be able to attend Knox in person to give you a big hug,but that is not possible.

I am writing to express my deep condolences for Frank's passing. Although I only worked with him for a short time, his passion and drive, and his huge personality made a deep impression on me. It was a privilege to know him, and I will always be grateful for what I learned while sharing the bench with such a vibrant man.

Ondrea Mann

Although I've lived in Ottawa since 1994, Knox was my church in Calgary, and one of my first memories of a service there was Frank McKitrick's whimsical lullaby, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", which he played at the conclusion of a baptism. It blew me away -- so unexpected yet perfect! His music and talent were fabulous to listen to -- just filled my heart on many occasions. So grateful for those memories, and my condolences to his family and Knox. Marilyn Smith

Condolences to Frank's Family: I met Frank as a member of Rotary Club of Calgary where he entertained for many years with his lively version of O Canada, his amazing musical talent and sharp sense of humour. I will forever remember his piano rendition of Moon Light Sonata at a Rotary event; ............ it brought the "house down." An amazing talent, too soon departed; rest in peace my friend. Bill Kaufmann

To All of Frank's Family, we are saddened to learn of the passing of Frank. He was an exceptional musician and teacher and his work with students in the choir and musicals was truly amazing. Frank also engaged many members of the staff in different roles in the musicals as well as supporters in a variety of jobs, constructing sets, costumes, etc. With Frank there was rarely a dull moment.

Frank touched many lives with his music wherever he travelled and will be remembered by those who met him.

Thanks Frank for inspiring us with your talent and humour.

I used to play the songs from piano lessons that I had learned on the piano for Uncle Frank. This is a memory I’ll never forget! I remember being so nervous to play for him, since he was such a great player himself. He was such a great guy, we will miss you, Uncle Frank ❤️

Frank was full of life and music. We will miss his joy.

Frank was a bit older than me. I went to school with him at the University in Regina. He was in a word, FUN. I hope to emulate his departure from this mortal coil. Regards to all who knew him and delighted in his many talents. Don Rose

On behalf of the Golden Bulldogs, retired staff of Sir Winston Churchill High School, we express our sadness at Frank's passing, our condolences to his family, and our gratitude for the memories of how much he enriched the lives of students and fellow staff members. He is greatly missed.

Erich and Carol Berndt

I am so sad to hear of Frank's passing! My sincere condolences to Frank's family! Frank was the Music Director when I first joined the choir at Knox United. Thank you, Frank, for your music, your kindness, and your sense of humour; may you continue to make wonderful music with the Angels in Heaven!

Refina Bjornn

We were very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Frank. We have many great memories of Frank when he was Musical Director/Conductor/Musician with the Silver Stars Musical Revue. His musical talents were incredible and he had an amazing sense of humor. Frank always made rehearsals and performances so much fun and made each performer feel special. Our sincere condolences to Greg and all of Frank's family. He will be missed.

Lawrence and Joyce Head

I just received word of Frank's passing from one of my dear colleagues in the Knox United Church choir and the Twelve to the Bar chorus in the early 80s. Frank was an inspired and inspiring director of both of these groups, and memories of singing under his direction are among the most plentiful and happiest of my time in Calgary. I will not say "rest in peace"; instead I will say "keep making beautiful music with the angels, and I hope there's a spot in the back row when I get there"!

I am saddened to hear of Frank's sudden passing and offer my condolences to his family and friends. He was the greatest guy to teach alongside; always passionate and committed. I admired his exceptional talent, how he brought out talent in his students, and his humour. It was always uplifting to stop and chat in the hallways. And those musicals he headed up - exceptional!

There were a number of times when I was in the staff room & Frank would come in & start playing a number of songs on the piano with ease. Then when he would meet you in the hallway he would ask or put forth some kind of statement that would make you laugh or leave you standing there & he’s laughing as he’s walking away. I’ll always admire his musical skills. He was a wonderful person who no doubt will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues, & students. Rest In Peace Frank!

Hello Gregg.....I would be amiss if I were not to acknowledge Frank's sudden passing. My heart goes out to you in your loss. Losing someone with whom one has spent ones days is inexplicable. No one but no one knows the empty feeling like yourself. One solace is that you have "lived life" day to day rather than believing "one day.". I so much appreciated Frank's direct approach, his humor and his smiling friendly manner. We shall miss him! With heartfelt sympathy, Horace Randall

I always admired Frank’s incredible musical abilities, and I had many enjoyable interactions with him as a fellow teacher. He would always come up with some unexpected response that would have me smiling and laughing, and I enjoyed his sense of humour and his upbeat approach to life. He was an incredibly positive influence on many students, including my own daughter, who sang (and laughed) in his choral groups. Frank will be missed by everyone who new him as a teacher and a friend.

Frank!

Amazing organist, fabulous and energetic pianist and master of musicals! One of a kind humour, never a dull moment wit and inspiring teacher and choir director. The music world is so much better for you having dedicated your life to it! You impacted the lives of so many singers! What a wonderful legacy!

Remembering you with much admiration,

Susan and Brian Farrell

We are very saddened to learn of Franks passing. Frank was a kind man and always had such a great sense of humour. He was a pleasure to have as a brother-in-law and he loved and cared for Greg very deeply. We have many fond memories of Frank. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with Greg and the McKitrick family during this difficult time. He will be missed.

Frank was a fabulous teacher . It was a pleasure to teach with Frank and to be part of his musical productions, which were fabulous. Frank's musical talents had no end and he brought out the talents in his students.. Frank's sense of humour was infectious. Students appreciated his teaching style for it was peppered with a lot of crazy of the wall humour and lots kindness. Teacher's meetings and staff gatherings were so much more enjoyable for Frank brought his wit and his humour and that touch of light heartedness. My heart is sad. e444444443

Being around Frank was never dull. He had a delightful sense of the absurd. He was really funny, and he appreciated humour in others. If Frank was there, things would be lively.

I was lucky enough to see him direct a number of musicals at Churchill, I have never heard anyone else do what he did at the piano. It didn’t seem to matter the key or the style; he played it. He could read it off the page and improvise it. It all seemed so effortless. You could tell he loved music by the way he expressed it.

The world will be a less interesting place without Frank. I enjoyed his company so much, and I’m so sorry he’s gone.

I had the good fortune to work with Frank at Sir Winston Churchill High School and to create costumes for his musical theatre productions. His talent and sense of humour were a gift to us all. He will be missed and I am grateful to have has the opportunity to know him!

Sharon Lalonde

It was with great sadness that we learned of Franks passing. Although we did not get to spend a lot of time with Frank and my brother Greg over the years, when we did get together his fantastic humor always made us laugh. It was an extreme pleasure welcoming Frank into the "Duff Family" and memories will always be cherished.

Karen and William Duff

I was fortunate to work with Frank for more than 45 years,longer than i have known my husband.Working as a choreograpfer for him at Sir Winston Churchill high school,Knox United Choir and Rotary was a pleasure.His magic fingers on the piano gave insperation to all who worked with him and when he played at Knox for my wedding ,he managed to slip in a few bars of ,i could have danced all night 'A warm friendship grew between his family and mine .Words can not express the sorrow i feel at his loss.

To his family and Greg i send love and strength.We are here if you need us for anything.

Joyce Reddy Sarvi and Seppo Sarvi

I am so very sad to hear of Mr. McKitrick’s passing. He was a dedicated and kind teacher and he taught me so much during the two years I was lucky enough to be his student. He fostered in me a lifelong love of musical theatre and his talents were substantial. One of my favorite memories was getting to sing with my high school choral class in the Knox United Church in Calgary where, I believe, he directed a choir and played the organ. He made us laugh with his jokes (don’t call me Shirley!) and he helped me to believe in myself. Farewell and RIP amazing Frank.

I have more memories to share then can be put. Life lessons and voice lessons through musicals and productions that defined me.. Memory will live and examples of well lived life abound.. Dan N class 92 , Marryin Sam

So sad to hear this news. I was in the choir at Knox United Church, under the guidance of Frank. What a wonderfully talented and funny man. We had some awesome experiences with Frank. He will definitely be missed.

Carol Baker