Dr. Francis Joseph Dudek

Francis “Frank” Dudek passed away peacefully surrounded by love on April 16, 2026, at the age of 74. He will be fondly remembered for his strong yet gentle ways, persistent curiosity and strong work ethic, with a caring dedication to those close to him.

Francis was born on November 28, 1951, and remained in Winnipeg, Manitoba throughout high school. He is preceded by Joseph Dudek (Father) and Christopher Young (Nephew) and survived by Frances Dudek (Mother); Josephine Young (Sister), Angelina Young (Niece), Richard Wood (Nephew) and Christopher Young's children Hunter Young and Samantha Young; Victoria Clark (Sister), Jessica Clark (Niece), Rebecca Aning (Niece) and Rebecca's children Chanel Aning and Giselle Aning; Susanne Strell (Sister) and Ellery Strell (Spouse), Benjamin Strell (Nephew) and Benjamin's child Kamen Strell.

As a boy and young man, Francis enjoyed mischievous and practical hands-on activities from taking apart his father’s watch to building a kayak and a pool table. Over many years, he enjoyed spending time at family celebrations and gatherings and was particularly fond of dining over dim sum. His zest for knowledge and quest for experiences led him to Northern Manitoba as a volunteer firefighter and in later years, adventures to Europe, China, Philippines and Cuba.

When it was time to pursue a higher education, Francis moved to Toronto, Ontario to earn his Doctorate from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. It was here he met his former wife of many years, Else Larson. The pair moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where they started a thriving practice, took up motorcycle riding and he embraced his love of cuisine and cooking – outfitting his kitchen with a top-of-the-line pizza oven and espresso machine. Francis maintained a successful career until retirement and remained in Vancouver for the remainder of his life.

While an accomplished practitioner, Francis also continued to feed his affinity for hands-on activities spending countless hours working on his land, building and operating machinery and refining projects around his home. While visiting family and friends in Winnipeg, he never missed a trip to Princess Auto if he could help it. Francis also enjoyed exploring a variety of cultures and religions over the years learning Mandarin and practicing Tai Chi along the way.

A man known for his strong work ethic, listening ear, and appreciation for dogs, Francis approached life with determination, purpose and care. His kindness could be felt in the everyday ways that matter so much — through patience, consideration, and a readiness to offer support.

Frank was a true Renaissance man in every sense of the word. His boundless curiosity,appetite, and capacity for learning and mastering an astonishing range of interests and skills was extraordinary.

He was a gifted and dedicated chiropractor, voracious reader, talented chef, Tai chi Chun, Qi Gong Master, visionary, inventor, creator, and a wizard at manifesting. He did not suffer fools lightly, and his razor-sharp wit and off-beat sense of humour was legendary; to the point that those who knew him, still regularly recount favourite 'Frank-isms' with a laugh. He learned to ride motorcycles late in life and bought a bubblegum-pink Custom

Harley-Davidson Springer which he loved to ride. And yes, it takes a big, self-confident man who is very comfortable in his own skin to pull off a pink Harley! His view of the world swung between cynicism and naiveté, depending on the day and his mood, and his friends and loved ones learned how to navigate both.

His memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, and his presence will be deeply missed. His enormous presence will be missed but his lasting impact on so many of us means he will always remain in our memories.