Frank Sharman lived every second of his life until the very end. He was well-known in every community he lived in, for his love of singing and performing, for his contributions to the community, for his energy. Frank won people over with his stories and charisma and his many friends and family feel his loss greatly.
Frank passed away in the early hours of June 21, 2022, in his 102nd year. He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret, and second wife, Jean, and leaves behind many people who love him: his partner, Barbara; daughter Linda (and son-in-law Brian); son Paul (partner Janet); grandchildren Nigel (Laura), Daniel (Aija), Jennifer (Matt), Geoff (Carmen), and Ashley (Paul). Because Frank had the good fortune to live to be 101, he also leaves behind great-grandchildren who had the opportunity to know and love him: Aaron (Michelle), Erica, Emma, Lukas, Evan, Isabell, Zara, Amari, and Frankie.
Born in London, England, in 1921, Frank Harvey Sharman spent his childhood and young adulthood in the U.K. In World War II, Frank served as a ground-based radio operator in the Royal Air Force; when he came back to civilian life, he worked in finance. In the 1960s, Frank had the foresight to learn about and work with computers in sales; he computerized Harrods and other notable companies at that time.
After he moved to Canada in 1968, he worked in sales for information technology systems, and later joined Nortel. Frank, alongside wife Jean, had the opportunity to travel to many far-flung countries, for both business and pleasure. They also returned to England regularly to visit family. For many years, Frank and Jean would tell Linda and Paul that this year would be their last trip.
Upon retirement, Frank loved spending time singing with Oakville’s barbershop singers, putting on shows at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. He continued putting on performances at the Village by the Arboretum in Guelph, where he later lived. More performances were given at Hearthstone by the Lake in Burlington, where Frank and Jean lived for some years to be near family. Frank even performed “Smile” at his 100th birthday performance, which took place in 2021, delayed due to COVID.
Frank was always learning and tapping into his creative side: he took up woodcarving, carving beautiful birds, and always wanted to stay up-to-date with technology. His iPad was well-used for writing his memoirs and for his contributions to the Village by the Arboretum’s community newsletter.
After Jean’s death in 2018, the family was concerned about how he’d get on. Though grieving, he still continued pursuing his interests, still drove his car, still sang. He was lucky to reconnect with old friend Barbara, who has been an excellent companion to him and delightful addition to the family.
At age 91, Frank made a speech to a group of seniors, during which he remarked that he was still making plans for his future. He always had hope and always looked forward. Indeed, on his last night of life, when asked if he would want to be resuscitated, his answer was “Yes, of course – I have lots of living still to do.”
Frank’s family and friends are planning a Celebration of Life to be held at the Recreation Centre (33 Village Crossing E.) of Village by the Arboretum (221 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON, N1G 4X7), on July 10, starting 2 p.m. Please join us.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Operation Smile Canada (operationsmile.ca), in honour of Frank’s favourite song, “Smile.”
