Obituary of Dr. Wilfred Frank Armstrong

ARMSTRONG – Dr. Wilfred Frank M.D.

The Armstrong family sadly announces Frank’s death on Tuesday November 13, 2018, at the age of 88 years.  He died peacefully, surrounded by his family at Cassellholme after several years of declining health.  For the past thirty years he has been the beloved and devoted husband of Ruth (formerly Cobean, nee Hogan).  Predeceased by his first wife Denise, he was the loving father of Alex (Lily) of Garden Village, Gina (Bil), of North Bay, Guy (Cheryl) of Barrie, Mari-Lee  ( Kevin)  of New Liskeard, and Loren (Melanee) of Bracebridge, Dr. Karen Cobean (Nish) of Toronto and Dr. Mike Cobean (Chantal) of North Bay. Frank held a special place in the hearts of his eighteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. The fourth of eight children he is lovingly remembered by his brother Angus (Elgay) of B.C. and sister Ann Hulbert (Stan) of Toronto.  He was predeceased by his grandson Davis, brothers Jack (late Geraldine), Tom (late Evelyn), Donald (Judy of California), and Bill (Dianne of Toronto) and sister Jean Robinson (late Bob). A graduate of the University of Toronto, Frank was a long time and well respected member of the North Bay medical community.  For fifty years he cared for patients in his family practice and provided anaesthesia for countless surgeries.  He served as Chief of Staff at both the Civic and St. Joseph’s Hospitals and for thirty years was the Medical Director at Cassellholme.  A community minded man he volunteered on the Board of Canadore College and served as president of the Cancer Foundation. An avid reader and sports fan, he enjoyed time at the family cottage on the French River and the companionship of Dudley, the last of his many canine buddies. Frank cared for people and they in turn cared for him.  He had a large circle of friends that he enjoyed hosting and will be sadly missed by many.   Friends may call at Martyn Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon and evening 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 pm., then on Sunday, November 18, at Calvin Presbyterian Church from 12:30pm until time for services to celebrate his life, at 1:30 pm.  Burial to take place in the Nipissing Village Cemetery in the spring.  If you’d like to honor Dr. Frank with a memorial donation please consider the Alzheimer’s Society, North Bay Food Bank, Cassellholme, or Calvin Presbyterian Church.  Online condolences at www.martynfh.com.