Frank Handler

Frank Handler passed away on December 17, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta after a brief illness. Born in Montreal to Franceska Meszaros and Francis (Ferenc) Handler, he grew up on Colonial Street. He attended D’Arcy McGee High School and Saint Boniface Parish where he was an altar boy serving the church from a young age. Frank grew up speaking Hungarian and German, the native languages of his parents, later learning English and French when he attended school.

Frank loved watching sports (he played football for D’Arcy McGee), camping (especially in his beloved Canadian Rockies) and was passionate about music. Frank was a master accordionist, getting his first accordion as a young boy and playing in countless bands throughout his lifetime. He could sight-read and play any ethnic music, with a love of European and Latin songs. After a career with Bell Canada (Quebec) and Alberta Government Telephones (Calgary), Frank started his own accordion repair home business and continued to play in many accordion bands and occasionally taught accordion. When he couldn’t find a tool to repair an accordion, he would invent and make one. Frank loved any accordion that he could bring back to life.

Frank is survived by his son, Michael Hander, daughter Jean Vore, grandchildren Spencer Vore and Margot Pelto and a great grandchild, Wren Pelto. Frank is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth Lola Dupcza Handler who passed away in September, 2024.

Frank will be remembered for his big heart and radiant smile, always willing to help and talk to anyone he met. He was a people person and a musician that could fill a dance floor.

A small family gathering of the scattering of Frank’s and Elizabeth’s ashes will take place when the spring flowers bloom in the Rockies.