Sydney
It is with great sadness that we, the family announce the peaceful passing of Frank Edward Desmond ‘Norton’ on Friday, October 21, 2022, in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital An Cala Palliative Care unit surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on January 6, 1941, in Sydney, Frank was the son of the late Albert and Theresa (Proctor) Desmond-Smith.
Frank is survived by his sisters, Anne Herbert, Toronto, Marie (Stan) Margettie, Sydney and Muriel ‘Puggie’ Farmer, Sydney. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins.
Frank was predeceased by his late wife, Audrey Mielke; parents, Albert and Theresa; stepfather, Jim Smith; brothers, Albert and David; nephews, Albert, Travis and Dale; brothers-in-law, Garvan Herbert, Golburne Sheppard and George Farmer and good friends, Roy and Katie Green and Marva ‘Sport’ Mentis.
Frankie was known as a storyteller and kept his family and friends in stitches with his many interesting stories and tales of his life in Ontario and growing up in his community known as the “Coke Ovens” in Whitney Pier. His memory was sharp as a tack and could still recite where everyone lived and worked in his community while growing up.
Frank will also be missed by all of his good friends in St. Thomas, Ontario, especially Donna, Larry and the Mentis family, who considered him their uncle and part of their family.
Frank considered himself the prodigal son who returned home after an extra-long absence from the Pier. He thanks Chinny, his ” #1 nephew”, and Charlie for bringing him home.
We would like to acknowledge the medical staff at the Cape Breton Regional Emergency Room department and the An Cala Palliative Care Unit who were so kind and caring to Frank and to Dr. Abboud, Dr. Giorno and all the amazing staff of An Cala. We cannot thank you enough for your care and kindness that you showed Frank while he was there. We cannot thank you enough!
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Frank Desmond will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in New Calvary Cemetery, Whitney Pier.
Donations in memory of Frank may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
My sincere condolences to all the Desmond Family. My Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. God Bless.
From: Stella Walcott
Uncle Frankie, thanks for all the laughs, you really knew how to pull a prank and brighten the day with your humour. So glad you found love, peace, later in life. You will be missed by all, my condolences to my Aunts, Thank you for being there for Uncle Frankie. You were the last Uncle Frankie, God Speed
From: Rhea Herbert
Uncle Frankie, you were always the life of the party and it was always a treat whenever you visited. I am extremely blessed to have had 5 fantastic Uncles that meant a lot to me in my life. We will all miss your humor, your card tricks, stories and overall love of life! Thank you for being you!
Murray, Kathey, Amber and Brooklyn
So sorry for your loss 💕
It is with a heavy heart that I say so long to a long time family friend. Frankie was like an uncle to the Green children. He helped my dad build the home that we grew up in on Curry’s Lane. He would sit with my mom and she and him would listen to the radio and make up jingles for Campbell’s soup, hoping to win the prize that was being given away, but never any luck. But we were lucky to have him as a part of our family, he was our prize. Rest easy and fly high uncle Frankie, I know that there will be many people waiting to greet you so they can enjoy your great stories and your wonderful sense of humor. We will miss you but never ever forget you. 💔💔
Sincere condolences.many fond memories of Frankie growing up on Tupper St. Rest in peace, Frank.
My condolences to the families of Frankie. May his soul rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy goes to the Desmond family on the great loss of a brother, friend and an amazing man, Frankie you will be missed. Rest in paradise with your family and friends Till we meet again, god be with you
So sorry to hear of Frankie passing. He was such a nice guy and whenever he came to visit we always had a good laugh. My deepest condolences to the Desmond family. May he Rest In Peace.
I’m truely sorry for your loss Marie and family my deepest condolences too you all
Sincere condolences to Frankie’s family and friends at this time of such great loss.Keep treasured memories close in your hearts…they will be a source of great comfort in the days ahead.
God’s Blessings always.
Roger and I send our condolences to Frankie’s family and friends. May he RIP
Uncle frankie always had a smile on his face when we saw him and he always made us smile and laugh.
thanks for all the good times.
Nova, Gail, Mariah and Candace Jarvis.
Uncle Frankie. The Goodness of your soul will always stay in our heats because you were ONE GEM!!
Losing you is no doubt a significant loss to all of US!
I wan to make it clear today that we are filled with GRATITUDE for being in OUR LIFE!!
The MENTiS Family !! Bobby, Chicky, Deedee, Poochie. Kimmy, Tony!!❤️💯
Uncle you lived your life just the way you wanted to, having fun and entertaining others. Thanks for all the great times. We will keep the tricks you taught us going. Rest now Uncle Frankie. Miss you.
Uncle Frankie,
All I can say is thank you for being such a great Uncle, not only to me but to everyone. I will never forget all the great stories and jokes you told, right down to the faces and different voices you used when telling them! What I admired most about you was that you remained your own man from the beginning to the end.
The sadness from your passing has been replaced with happiness knowing you got your final wish….. to be back home on Cape Breton soil.❤️
Rest in Peace Uncle
Love Dean, Heather, Allysha & Quentin
Uncle Frank
It was definitely a bright light you brought into so many peoples lives
everywhere you went and anyone who met you will never forget you. Grateful to have spent time with you before you took the journey home.
Gone but not forgotten.
Craig, Nik, Kyle, Jared & family
My deepest condolences to the Family on the passing of Frankie.
May he rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences to the Desmond Family.
So happy he was at home in Sydney Cape Breton where he wanted to be.
May his soul now rest in peace.
My condolences to the Desmond Family.
Iam so sad to lose my friend Frank he was a good guy with a great big heart went to visit Rome Italy with my late husband Joe Stea he will sure be missed
Does anybody know if Frank had any children