Obituary of Frank McGeachy

February 25, 1945 – Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland

July 14, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Frank McGeachy, beloved husband of Frances McGeachy (nee Purcell), of Calgary passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the age of 78 years. Frank was a pillar of strength, love, and generosity, especially to those he held closest to him.

Born in Bellshill, Lanarkshire in 1945 to Patrick and Elizabeth, Frank graduated from the University of Glasgow with a BSC Honours in Physics. After spending some years teaching in Scotland, Frank chose to emigrate to Toronto, Canada in 1976.

Frank married Frances back in Scotland in 1977.

Following the birth of their first son Christopher, Frank and the family moved west where they settled in Calgary, Alberta. Frank and Frances then welcomed Megan, Emma, and Philip to the family, and many would tell you that Frank’s true passion was when he spent most of his hours with them as he watched them grow up.

Most of Frank’s career in Canada was that of a dedicated teacher at the Calgary Board of Education, from 1981 through 2008. During his time teaching, he was honoured with many accolades and awards, including the 1988 ATA Science Council’s Outstanding Teacher Award, Awards for Research Supporting Educational Enhancements of the Teaching Profession for the ATA Educational Trust, and multiple recognitions for the Hilroy Fellowship Program of the Canadian Teachers Federation. Frank was also instrumental in developing teaching tools, such as a provincially recognized program called “Winston’s Way”, and leading the Quality Learning Symposium in Calgary. Frank also later earned a Masters in Distance Education at Athabasca University.

Frank had many passions including books, classical music, world cuisine, and classic movies. We can only hope that wherever Frank is now, he’s playing with his beloved dogs Keltie, Monty, and Angus. Frank was always a known jokester with a razor-sharp wit. We may never see his like again, and are sorry for it. He will be forever loved and dearly missed.

Besides his wife Frances, Frank is survived by his children Christopher, Megan, Emma and Philip, and grandchildren Takuma, Toshi, Willa, Isaac, and Ruth. He is also survived by his brother Gerrard and sister Avril, and a large number of family members in Ontario. He also held a special place in the hearts of his in-laws, including his sons-in-law Aki and Gaëtan, and daughters-in-law Kaitlyn and Monique and extended family in Scotland, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and students.

In living memory of Frank McGeachy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.