Obituary of Frank Strain

Our family is sad to announce the passing of Frank Strain after a short illness.

Frank had many loves. Family came first, especially Michelle, his partner and best friend for 49 years. Just as loved are his children Stephen Strain and Louisa Strain (Leighan Crawford) both living and working in Sackville. His two young grandchildren Lauren Crawford and Mia (Amelia) Crawford gave Frank more joy than can be imagined in their almost daily visits from their house through our garden to our back door. Frank also has a younger brother Paul Strain and sister Sandra Strain both residing in PEI. Frank was born in Charlottetown, PEI in 1956.

Frank arrived in Sackville in 1985 to take a position in Economics at Mount Allison University. He loved his economic research and teaching, his students and his colleagues. His door was always open to students and was especially proud to help them understand and apply the principles of economics to the world around them. Frank also helped develop two successful interdisciplinary programs (IR and PPE) to enhance academic options for students. He retired in 2022 after 37 years.

Another love was music and guitar with many, many Sackville musical friends including (but not limited to) Jim Hennessy, Tim Hicks, Stephen Melanson, Ron Sims, Janet Crawford, Bob Connon, Romira Worvill, Jeff Hollett, Greg Marquis, Steve Law, Tim Reiffenstein, Kellie Mattatall, Mary Ellen Nurse, and Ivan Boudreau. He also lived for a session at his house known as the Wednesday Jam and for the Wallace Weekend of music established by Art Drysdale held in Wallace, NS every August. Frank played guitar in every spare minute and was known to pass along his older instruments to others to ensure they would continue to be played and well loved.

Frank travelled throughout his adult life and loved to study the history, culture, food, politics and economics of every location visited. The local food markets were a special attraction. So many of our happiest memories of him are from meals shared around our family table. He will be deeply, deeply missed.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Erin Campbell and the staff at Campbells Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville NB. (506) 364-8188. In keeping with Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

If so desired, donations in memory of Frank may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of one’s choice. On-line condolences and sharing of memories may be forwarded to the family through our website www.campbellsfuneralhome.com or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.