Obituary of Frank Armstrong

(Robert) Frank Armstrong, of Fredericton, NB, died on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital after a brief struggle with cancer. He was 71. Frank was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan on May 26, 1951. When Frank was 17, he decided to spread his wings by hitchhiking to the US where he was picked up by a farmer and offered a job to keep 300 sheep alive on a train while transporting them to a sheep ranch in NS. Not one to shy away from an exciting opportunity, he accepted. Safely delivered to their destination to the small community of Minudie, NS, he was immediately offered a job on the ranch. A house was rented for Frank next door to his future wife’s parents. Borrowing a lightbulb seemed a good enough reason to meet the middle daughter. He met and married Carol Burbine and together they had two beautiful girls, Amy and Natasha. After working on the sheep ranch for a few years, he decided life could be easier working in the financial world. He was a smart young man, so he studied and got his GED. He started with Canadian Acceptance, then moved to Niagara Finance, and eventually he retired after 32 years with CIBC as Area Vice President for HLC (CIBC). In his earlier years, he had the special talent (after a couple drinks) of delivering joke, after joke, after joke, keeping his audience in stitches. He also loved to be the last person to leave a party, especially Carolann’s Christmas parties. Frank loved to dabble in barbecuing; in the early days many chicken breasts were discarded and those around him might admit he hadn’t quite mastered that skill. Frank had a daily practice of visiting Tim Hortons; in fact, they probably have him to thank for their healthy profits. Frank was always a sports enthusiast. He coached many girls’ softball teams when Amy was young. He could always be seen throwing a ball around with her outside the house. He was happiest spending his time curling and golfing with friends. His favourite places to hang out were the Capital Curling Club, Fredericton Golf Club, and the West Hills Golf Club. He loved to volunteer at the Capital Winter Club where he served as president twice and chaired the McCain/TSN Skins Game in 2000. He was instrumental in bringing these games to Fredericton and as a result, the City of Fredericton recognized Frank by awarding him the Distinguished Citizen award for the positive economic impact the event brought to the city. He was involved in numerous committees and volunteer activities at the Club over the last 15 -20 years. He was always kind and generous to everyone around him but especially to his family. He was always available to travel to help his kids and grandkids when needed. Together with his wife, he served as a church greeter, and he also volunteered as a church gospel reader. He lived the life he wanted. Frank is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughters, Natasha Turner (Paul) of Calgary and Amy Armstrong-Reyes (Julio) of Kentucky; grandchildren, Haylie of Port Alberni, Noah and Nixon both of Calgary, and Taylor of Kentucky; a sister, Anne Hanson (Wallace) of Nipawin, SK, and five brothers, Glenn (Loretta) of Riverview, NB, Larry (Barb) of Penticton, BC, James of Tisdale, SK, Terry (Meighan) of Moose Jaw, SK, and Dale (Valerie) of Calgary, AB. He was predeceased by his father, John Armstrong and mother, Dora (Hess) Armstrong, both of Tisdale, SK. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 13th, at McAdam’s Funeral Home from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held the following day at 12:05 pm at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church, 120 Regent St., Fredericton, followed by a private burial at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Cemetery. Following the funeral, a reception will be held at the Capital Curling Club. For those unable to attend the mass, a live stream will be available at the following St. Mary Magdalene Parish Site: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXNvhedQ4kRXyn0Y_KX9TnA/featured