Called up too soon. It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Monaghan on March 21, 2024 at the age of 56 in Edmonton, Alberta. He is survived by his Mother, Monique Monaghan; his sisters Karen Monaghan and Susan Smale (Chris); and nieces Emilie and Alexandra Smale. He was predeceased by his Father, Robert Edward Monaghan. Frank was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a loyal son, brother, uncle, friend, soldier, brother-in-arms and fierce protector of those he loved.
Born and raised in beautiful Quebec City, Frank became an avid bicycle rider in his teenage years and could be seen riding his bike all over Quebec City. It is these adventures that sparked Frank’s love of history while exploring the old city. Frank later majored in history in the Maritimes and developed a lifelong love of history and service.
Frank joined the Canadian Armed Forces in April of 1988 and received his first training and mission as a Grenadier Guard. Once trained, he served under the UN in Kosovo in 1999 and again Bosnia in 2003. He went onto serve two combat tours in Afghanistan; Kandahar, 2010 and Kabul, 2013. Frank chose to occupy the very tip of the military spear, the infantry, the Patricias (Princess Patricia Light Infantry). Those that chose to dedicate their lives to military service are called to it, Frank not only met that call, but dedicated much of his career to train and mentor those that chose to follow their convictions as he did. The most notable example of this is Frank having trained Canadian Rangers from 2015 to 2019 in the most austere conditions imaginable throughout our Northern Territories. In his 36 years of service to our country, Frank defined was it is to be a soldier; leader; mentor; friend and above all, brother to many.
Please join Frank’s family as they honour his final tour of duty of peacekeeping in heaven.
Friends and comrades-in-arms are invited to assemble and pay respects on Friday April 19th at the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa after 12 noon. Memorial Service will be held in the Sacred Space at 1:30 p.m. followed by urn interment and military honours at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces.
Digital Guestbook
Robert Iob
Kathy Scott Monaghan
Cousin, by marriage, to Frank Monaghan
MWO Timothy Woods, CD
I trained Frank as a Guardsman, great soldier and person, you can rest now.
Margaret and Hans Obermeier
Heartfelt sympathy for the loss of cousin Frank. May the love and prayers and support of your family bring you comfort.
Ryan Ludwick
RIP VP. It was an honour serving with Frank, and I'll always remember the interesting times we had in Afghanistan in 2013.
Dan Hudon
Frank, It was a pleasure serving with you. Rest in peace my friend.
Patricia Monaghan
Our deepest sympathy to Aunt Monique and family. Sending our love and prayer. Fondly remembering Frank and our lovely visit with him the summer he visited us in St. Andrews as a teenager.
John and Dorothy Monaghan
Our deepest condolences. We thank Frank for his service to our country, he is in our prayers.
John Monaghan
Cousin to Frank . Rest in Peace
Anthony Sherwood
Rest in Peace my friend, keep a glowstick in your pocket for me.
It was an honour to have served with you, Frank. I have some good memories of you. I’m sorry that I couldn’t make it to your final parade. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Up the Guards!