Frank Mitchell Armstrong
May 3, 1937 – March 22, 2025
Kenora, Ontario
Frank Mitchell Armstrong passed away peacefully at Pinecrest Home in Kenora on March 22, 2025, in his 88th year.
He is survived by his children Michael Armstrong (Suzanne Brittain) of Huntsville, Timothy Armstrong of Burks Falls, Terry Armstrong (Tina) of Thunder Bay and Daphne Armstrong (Paul Valenta) of Kenora. He leaves seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Frank was born on the family farm in Edwardsburg Twp, in Grenville County, Ontario on May 3, 1937, the youngest child of James and Dora Armstrong, He is predeceased by his brother George Armstrong and his sisters Elizabeth Greer and Anna Wallace.
Frank was independent from a very young age. He was raised by his maternal grandfather (Henry Armstrong) until he was 15 years old when he left the farm to make his way in the world. He worked while attending business school then took a job in the linen mills in Cornwall as a bookkeeper. He quickly decided it wasn’t the job for him and left to work in construction, on the Saint Lawrence Seaway and then on hydro-electric dams in Labrador.
After his marriage to Lyla Burchill, in 1956, Frank went to work at the Kemptville Agricultural College. While working at the College became friends with an OPP Constable who encouraged Frank to consider policing.
In 1962 Frank joined the Ontario Provincial Police a job he seemed to be destined for, he worked as a patrol officer, detective, and supervisor. He served in Gananoque, Burks Falls, Pickle Lake, and Minaki (Wabaseemoong) detachments before retiring as the officer in charge, Sergeant, at Vermillion Bay detachment. After his retirement from the OPP, Frank worked as a Provincial Prosecutor in Kenora District which involved flying to many remote locations across Northwestern Ontario. His love of law enforcement and the justice system influenced three of his children to follow his in his footsteps. Frank was as proud of his children as they were of him as a father. He instilled a strong work ethic and sense of right and wrong in all his children.
Frank held himself and others to a high standard, and at times he could be brutally honest but he also had compassion for others and was never malicious. Many people he worked with or dealt with on the wrong side of the law would say he was always fair and honest with them.
Apart from work Frank was devoted to fitness, competing in marathons and running until he was in his 70’s. He played baseball and was a avid Toronto Blue Jays fan. He enjoyed camping, canoeing and fishing and coached minor hockey.
In retirement Frank used to love going to Mexico, rent an apartment and travel to small towns and villages getting to know the locals and their customs. He wasn’t one for big resorts or sitting still on a beach.
Our heartfelt thanks to Rob Bergman and the entire team of nurses, support workers, doctors and staff at Pinecrest Home for the care and attention. Frank’s challenges and restlessness over the past three years were minimized as there was always a smile for him and even an ear for his singing.
A service for the family will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations to the Alzheimers Society of Canada would be appreciated.