Obituary of Francis Emmanuel McCRUDDEN

Francis "Frank" McCrudden

September 4, 1954 - December 26, 2023

In loving memory of Frank McCrudden. A dedicated husband to Linda, son-in-law to Mary and father to his two daughters Rhyianon and Michaela.

Frank began his journey through life born in the Lower Falls road area of Belfast, Ireland. He was born in a room above a stable on Servia Street with his mother and father. Frank was the oldest and great protector of six siblings: brothers Martin, Roy, Jim, John, Tony, and sister Alice. He started school at Holy Cross Primary School and later St. Mary’s Grammar School. Frank discovered his passion for learning early on. He frequently walked four mile round trip to the Old Park Road library on Sundays to get his books for the week and studied everyday. Growing up, Frank was also a very skilled chess player. He regularly won matches with his brothers and even beat a computer on its highest level. At fourteen years of age he took the MENSA test through correspondence and earned an 86 mark. To prove his abilities, he took a train to Dublin and sat the MENSA test again with engineers. He earned a 92.

In addition to his academic intelligence, Frank was an accomplished athlete. He won many cups and medals for his efforts. He would run a four by 100 yard and even raced buses for practice (and won)! Frank also enjoyed football and hurling and was an excellent player.

Destined for great things, Frank travelled to Canada to pursue studies in math and physics. He participated in a variety of interesting software and engineering projects including teaching and researching at the University of Toronto and working for NASA. Some of his projects included a dye laser and the Canadarm. He was always excited about new innovations in the world of science and technology.

Frank was a brilliant engineer, but he would tell you his greatest accomplishment was meeting his wife and creating a beautiful family in the peaceful town of Mono, Ontario. He also loved his many dogs: Shep, Becky, Maddie, and Lola as well as the “grand-dogs” Bonnie and Marnie.

Always incredibly resilient and wise, Frank taught his family to be hardworking and independent. More importantly, he taught them to be well rounded, seek out new learning with a spirit of curiosity and to share this with others. Frank always encouraged his family to pursue their passions and enjoyed hearing about their endeavours. Despite working long hours, he always made time to help his daughters with homework and take them to extracurriculars. Having fostered this appreciation for learning, it’s no wonder his wife and two daughters all became teachers themselves.

We will always remember the love and laughter Frank shared with his family. He sends his love and thanks to all those who cared for him during his hospital stay - including Linda’s friend Yasmin who was a huge support to the family during this time. It is not goodbye, but a “see you later” to a wonderful son, brother, and father. We know his spirit will live on in our hearts and minds as he rests peacefully. For Frank - get out there, enjoy life, learn something new, and leave the world better than you found it. Thank you, Frank, for everything you taught us.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Diabetes Canada or The Heart and Stroke Foundation in Frank's memory.

Online condolences can be made at www.imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc., has been given the honour to serve the McCrudden family.