November 7, 1924 – May 22, 2013
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Frank Dayton-husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend-who passed on to higher service at the age of 88 while surrounded by family at home at Victoria. Frank was born in Portage-la-Prairie, MB, and was educated at Edmonds Street School, Burnaby, and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, where he graduated in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. During the Second World War, Frank was a pilot in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, demobilized in 1946. In 1949, Frank enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy as an Engineering Officer and in 1952-53 he received specialized training in Marine Engineering at the Royal Navy Engineering College, Plymouth, UK. Frank served the Royal Canadian Navy as a Marine Engineer until he retired in 1975. Postings included HMCS Ontario (1950, 1953), HMCS Dockyard (1950), HMCS Magnificent (1951), HMS Thunderer (1952), HMCS Venture (1954), Royal Military College (1956), HMCS Skeena (1958), RCAF Staff College (1960), HMCS Stadacona (1961), HMCS Bonaventure (1964), Ship Repair Unit Halifax (1966), C.F. Fleet School Halifax (1970) and CFB Shearwater (1972). In 1975, Frank began teaching Marine Engineering Technology at Saint Laurence College of Technology, Cornwall, ON, until he retired for a second time, to Victoria in 1985. Predeceased by his parents, his brother and his sister; and survived by his wife of 62 years, Edith, his daughter Dr. Elizabeth Ann Bowler, his son Rev. Bruce, five grandchildren, William, Victoria, Amanda, Caroline and Charlotte, and two nieces, Sharon Delany and Sue Edwards.
Visitation will be held from 6:30-8:30 pm on Sunday, May 26 at McCall Bros. Funeral Home, 1400 Vancouver Street, Victoria. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, May 27 at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, with Rev. Will Ferrey and Rev. Don Walls presiding. Condolences for the family may be offered below.
20 Responses
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Frank and my late husband, Stewart, served together in the RCN.
Edith, Sincere condolences from Ritha and me. The news came as a great shock, as I didn’t know that Frank was ill. I’ve known him for many years, and remember him as a cheerful friend and a fellow Engineer.
Although there isn’t much anyone can say at a time like this except heartfelt thoughts of sympathy. Your family will be remembered in our prayers.
My sincere condolences for your loss. Frank was a well respected Naval Officer and instructor. I will always have fond memories of him.
Respectfully
Jim (Sweeney) Todd
Frank, your leadership as we prepared for a career in Marine Engineering at Venture and your mentor ship later in SKEENA are lasting memories of both a leader and friend. We Ventures will miss you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Frank will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
I love you, Dad, and I will always miss you. Thank you so much for the love, grace, kindness, leadership and friendship that you have shown me over the years. See you again, in the Kingdom of God, at Jesus’ table, sometime soon!
Just a few words of sympathy Bruce on the death of your Dad. I can empathize with you in these difficult days.
A Dad is an anchor for your mind, someone who is always there to think of and recall the happy times of years gone by. Someone who is always thinking of you and wondering how you are.
Time heals all wounds but for now they hurt real bad.
Thinking of you.
Ross
deepest sympathy. May our good Lord’s comfort be with your family… Ying
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time…Linda and Bruce Gardner