Passed away Friday Oct 25, 2024, at the age of 99. Beloved husband of 60 years of Gladys Marie (nee Kielly), deceased in 2016. Loving father of Suzanne (Doug Southen), Gabrielle (Clarence Kort), Marianne (Richard Turcotte) and Jean-Francois (Jennifer Verret). Grandfather of John (Leslie), Eric (Samantha), Marc (Cece), Louis (Claire) and Patrick (Marielle). Great-grandfather of Lydia, Vivian and Genevieve.
Will be missed by brother Jacques (Micheline), sister-in-law Lise, and brother-in-law Bill (Alice), and many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his parents, Gabrielle and Francois-Xavier, his step-mother Alice, and his siblings Raymond, Therese (Rene), Jean-Paul, Francoise and Claude.
Francois was a WWII Veteran, who served in 1944-45 as a Navigator in the RCAF Alouette Squadron (Bomber Command). He obtained his BSc. Geology from McGill University (Montreal, Que) after the war, but after one summer with the blackflies in northern Labrador, he decided to reenlist with the Canadian Airforce. He was posted to Brandon, Manitoba, to teach at the Navigation School (1951-1954). His next posting was as Recruiting Officer to St-Johns NFLD.
On his first day in St-Johns, he went on a double-blind date with fellow Recruiting Officer Ken Weaver and two local gals, whom they subsequently married in St-Johns, Francois to Gladys in 1956. As a military Officer, Francois lived and raised the family with Gladys in many places in Canada and Europe.
He volunteered as coach for many of Jean-Francois’s sports teams and as leader for Les Scouts du Canada. He was Treasurer for the local newspaper Vistas. He sat on the Board of Eglise Catholique de Ste-Genevieve in Ottawa, including chairing the Committee for Refugees and sponsored the Van family from Cambodia who remained lifelong friends with Francois. He regularly visited Veterans at the Ottawa Perley Long Term Care facility for over 30 years.
Francois loved life and was a lifelong learner. He loved to travel with Gladys and drove his family all around Europe, from Canada to Mexico, and all through North America, always camping. He and Gladys saw many corners of the world together, including from cruise ships in the final years. He was an avid reader, historian, birdwatcher, astronomer, story-teller, and most importantly, a very loving father, husband and family man.
He will be sorely missed on his 100th birthday next July 14th, 2025.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON) from 11-1pm followed by a Celebration of Life.
Digital Guestbook
Katherine Gibson
Danielle Aird
Suzanne, you were a devoted daughter. What an interesting life he had. You were so fortunate to have him as a father. I wish I had met him. Sending love.
Lyette Babin-MacKay
Chères Suzanne et Gabrielle, à vous, à vos familles et à toute la grande famille Savard, j'offre mes très sincères condoléances. ❤️❤️❤️
Lyette Babin-MacKay
Chères Suzanne et Gabrielle, à vous, à vos familles et à toute la grande famille Savard, j'offre mes très sincères condoléances. Toutes mes amitiés, Lyette
Sharon Rogers
How sad I was to read Frank’s wonderful obituary. We had lost contact many years ago, but I cannot tell you often I’ve thought of him. The wonderful XC expeditions in the Gatineau hills; the dinner parties . All with Gladys of course. I think of him especially each Nov 11th. For many years my husband and I would search for him on TV - proudly marching with the veterans . Such a lovely man. My sincere sympathy.
Linda Speers
What an amazing man... I have been thinking about your dad and he was on my mind especially on November 11th this past week. One memory I have of him is when he was driving us as young teenagers to an event, maybe a Ranger camping trip, and the car ended up getting a flat tire along the route. He decided it was an excellent time to teach us how to change a tire and I have thought of him every time I have had to change a flat tire since then, most recently last year on a camping trip in the Gaspe. Wishing all of you comfort at this time.
What a treasure your father was both to his community and his family. His life mattered !