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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McPHEE, Francis Roderick (Frank) - age 89 of Eastern Passage, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Born in Halifax on May 11, 1935, he was a son of the late John and Winnifred MacPhee.
Frank lived a full and exciting life. He began his adult life by joining the Royal Canadian Navy and served on several war ships during the early ‘50’s just as the Korean War was coming to and end. Following his release from the Navy, he worked many jobs across the country and beyond. One of his memorable jobs was working on the assembly line for Ford Motor Company in Oakville doing his part in making the Ford Maverick in the early ‘70s.
He was a restless soul but found his life’s work when he entered the medical field. This was a perfect fit for Frank as he was always personable, friendly, analytical and helpful when engaging with others. He had an excellent memory and was a quick learner. He loved every minute of this new direction, he was always taking courses, absorbing everything he could and he found progressive work experience along the way.
He began his work in this field as an orderly at Camp Hill Military Hospital which set him on his way. He had an instant connection to these elderly and injured veterans and could recall their names well into his later years. He became a Paramedic (EHS) in Nova Scotia and recounted many stories of events that he was engaged in, such as the Swiss Air disaster off of Peggy’s Cove. He was known as a legend within the EHS community.
Prior to that event, Frank was recruited to work the Oil Rigs as the only medic onboard and worked several rigs in different parts of the world. He enjoyed the responsibility of running his own “ship” but the lengthy time away from family caught up to him and he returned to NS to resume his EMT responsibilities. During the early ‘80’s, Frank and family moved to BC for a change and he began work as a Paramedic in Kamloops and held Coroner responsibilities as well. In 1986, the family moved back to NS. He worked the ambulance for many years and kept himself in good shape as the years crept by. EMT work is tough physically as well as mentally, and he finally had to give it up after many years… but he wasn’t ready for retirement. It was then that Frank began a new career in the Dartmouth General Hospital in Orthopedics, setting and removing casts until he finally retired in his 80’s. lt seemed that Frank never aged as he loved the work and refused to sit still in retirement.
Frank liked to spin a yarn and he had his extensive life experience to pull from. He loved people and was full of mischief and fun. His stories will live on with those who knew him and appreciated his life well lived. He will be sadly missed by his extensive family and many friends. We can all take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his soulmate, Jean.
Frank is survived by daughters, Donna (David) MacArthur, Paula McPhee (Marc), Gayle (Hank) McInnis, Bonnie (Gary) Marchand, Jackie Watson; son, Mike (Charlene) MacLean; sister, Judy Taggart; brother-in-law, Doug (Pam) Dicker; grandchildren, Craig Marchand, Jillian Lee (Ivan), Sydnie Watson, Joel MacLean, Aaron MacLean, Aleasha Unrau (Corey), Jordan Park; great grandchildren, Cooper Lee, Mackenzie Lee, Maxim Marchand, Stella Marchand, Isabella Marchand, Levi Unrau, Sage Unrau; nieces, Catherine Morrill (Gary), Heather MacPhee (Jean-Francois Jolin), Angela Dicker, Debbie (Patrick) Conrad; nephews, Scott (Christina) Dicker, Andrew (Nivia) Taggart, Ryan (Kendelle) Taggart.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by wife, Jean (2017); brothers, Jack MacPhee, Jimmy MacPhee; brother-in-law, Roger Taggart.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 12 at 1:00PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00PM, both taking place at Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth, Rev. James Haughn officiating. There will be a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an animal shelter of choice. (Atlantic Funeral Home)
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