May 4, 1918 to July 31, 2014
Frank was born in Debtford (southeast London), England. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Nellie and Wilfred Crowther and four of his five siblings: Wilf Crowther, Ray Crowther, Von Townsend and Nellie Stump. He is survived by his wife Marion; six children: Lynn (Peter) Staton, Ron (Daphne) Crowther, Peggy (George) Colegrave, Betty (Gary Friedy) Crowther, Doug (Karen) Crowther and Bill (Fumi) Crowther, 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and his brother, Guy Crowther.
Frank’s family emigrated to Victoria, BC in 1925. Frank sold newspapers until he got a job with the CPR parcel delivery, which he stayed with until going to war in 1940. During the war, he was assigned to the 85th Canadian Bridge Corp (Fox Bailey Platoon) and had many anxious moments at the Front, building bridges for the advancing Allies.
After the war, Frank returned to his job at the CPR. In 1949, he married Marion Boyle from Kinistino, Saskatchewan. They bought a small house in Langford and Frank soon had a job with the B.C. Department of Highways as a mechanic. In 1959, to shelter a growing family, Frank built a house in Happy Valley where most of his children grew up. While living in Langford and Happy Valley, Frank was active as a volunteer fireman/ambulance attendant and was involved in his family’s Catholic church. He was always known for his hard work, honesty and faithfulness to his family.
After the children were gone, Frank and Marion moved a few times and travelled to exotic lands. They finally settled in Comox, BC, where they spent 18 years until moving in their last year to the Comox Valley Seniors Village.
Family and friends will all miss him terribly. May he rest in peace.
A mass of Christian burial will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church in Courtenay at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 14th, preceded by prayers the night before at 7:00pm. Burial will be scheduled at a later date in Victoria.
In lieu of flowers or any donations, if you have the opportunity, give your Dad a big hug.