Frank Attard

Frank Attard was born on June 26, 1928 in Senglea, Malta. At the start of WWII, his family moved to Birkirkara, where he grew up only a few houses away from Jessie Schembri, his future wife. In 1952, the two were married, and within that same year, immigrated to Canada, where they settled in Ontario.

It was in Windsor where Frank and Jessie started their family, eventually moving to London, ON, and then Brampton, as they raised five children and later became the adored grandparents of several grandchildren. Frank provided for his family, working as a machinist, aircraft engine parts inspector and Quality Control Supervisor, until his retirement in 1988. In 2004, Frank and Jessie moved to Calgary, where they quickly became a part of both the St. Albert the Great Parish and McKenzie Lake communities. Frank was known throughout the neighbourhood for his daily walks around the lake, which continued well into his late-80s with such regularity that it was not uncommon for someone to inquire with concern if he hadn’t shuffled by at his usual time.

Jessie and Frank adored each other, and this mutual love and respect was clear throughout every decade of their marriage. Their faith was integral in their lives, and they attended mass and prayed the rosary daily, also serving as Eucharistic ministers at St. John Fisher Parish. They shared an understanding of each other’s lives, growing up steps away from each other and continuing to speak Maltese with each other, in a country where few others knew the language; and they relied on each other, each bringing their own complimentary skillset to the daily life that they shared for 65 years.

Frank had an infinitely curious nature, and despite a lack of formal credentials, was an engineer at heart. He was keen to find repair solutions for nearly any broken object, as evidenced by the ingeniously improvised household items that kept the home running smoothly. He also loved puzzles, and could often be found concentrating intently on his latest crossword, jigsaw, or Sudoku. He was quick to welcome his children or grandchildren to join him in these pursuits, and these shared moments of working together in silence will remain cherished memories.

He always had an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, whether it was his regular 3pm coffee (which was important regardless of where he was at the time), or time spent sitting on a park bench or in his garage, watching people pass by. Although he was a man of few words, he never failed to invite those around him to share a coffee or his time. His patience, particularly with his grandchildren and great-grandchild, was boundless.

Frank is survived by his children, Elizabeth (John) Macphail, Jacqueline Attard, Ronald (Velma) Attard, William (Anne) Attard, and Thomas Attard; his grandchildren, Melanie (Jason) Curry, Michelle Jowett, Tyler Attard, Stuart Attard, and Emily Macphail; and his great-grandchild, Madeline Curry. He also leaves behind his brother, Albert (Artemia) Attard; his sister, Mary (Victor) Mallia-Milanes; his sisters-in-law, Mary (of Oscar) Attard and Mary (Paul – predeceased) Bujega; his brothers-in-law, Frank (Mary – predeceased) Schembri and Steno (Lily – predeceased) Sant’Angelo; and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jessie Attard; his siblings, Josie (Terrezine) Attard, Victor (Louise) Attard, Evelyn Attard, Oscar Attard, and Monsignor Edgar Attard; and his parents, John and Stella Attard.

Frank’s inquisitive spirit, gentle nature, and devotion to the Catholic faith will remain deeply cherished and missed, and he will be forever loved by his family and those who were lucky enough to know him.

His funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Albert the Great Parish Church, (10 Prestwick Dr SE), on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.