Frank William Charles Abbott

June 8, 1936 -September 12, 2025

Frank William Abbott, born June 8, 1936, passed away on September 12, 2025, surrounded by the love

of his family. Frank grew up in the Beach of Toronto, where he attended Kimberley Public School and

Malvern Collegiate Institute. It was there he met his future wife, Gail Eleanor Lipsett, who became his

lifelong partner. A true testament to their love and devotion, Frank and Gail just celebrated their 64th

wedding anniversary.

Frank pursued higher education at McMaster University, earning both an Honours B.A. and a Master’s

degree in History. In 1985, he was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Toronto, a

proud milestone in his career as a historian and educator. In 1961, he married Gail, and that same

year began his teaching career at Northern Secondary School.

In 1968, he joined the faculty at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute as a professor of Canadian history,

where he inspired students for three decades until his retirement at age 65. During his tenure,

Frank was elected President of the Ryerson Faculty Association for two terms in the 1990s, where

he advocated for his colleagues and the strength of the academic community.

Frank’s legacy is defined by his devotion to family. He was the proud father of Clay, Jennifer, and

Drew, and cherished his extended family: son-in-law, Graham; daughter-in-law, Heather; Kim

and Joey. His grandchildren, Christopher, Stephanie, Timothy, Emily, Grace, and Sarah; and great

grandchildren, Sophie, Ozzie, Nash, and Jack, were his greatest joys. Among his most cherished

moments was watching his eldest grandson, Christopher, receive his Doctorate from Queen’s University

this past June. This was a milestone that filled him with pride.

Outside of the classroom, Frank was an athlete at heart. His passion for tennis and squash

not only brought him lifelong friendships, but also gave him great pleasure when shared with

his children. He continued to play well into his late 70s and early 80s, always finding joy in the

game. Summers at the cottage were a treasured tradition, where he loved to spend time with his

family and “dip his toes in the lake.”

Frank will be remembered as a man of kindness, curiosity, and generosity of spirit. He was far less

interested in talking about himself than in hearing about the lives, pursuits, and passions of his children and grandchildren.

His legacy of love, humility, and family devotion will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

So many gods, so many creeds,

so many paths that wind and wind,

while just the art of being kind

is all the sad world needs.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre.

A visitation for Frank will be held Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Giffen-Mack & Trull Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C1L3. A funeral service will occur Monday, September 22, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2570 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C1L3. There will be a reception to follow at the funeral home. A private graveside service will be held.