Called up too soon. It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Monaghan on March 21, 2024 at the age of 56 in Edmonton, Alberta. He is survived by his Mother, Monique Monaghan; his sisters Karen Monaghan and Susan Smale (Chris); and nieces Emilie and Alexandra Smale. He was predeceased by his Father, Robert Edward Monaghan. Frank was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a loyal son, brother, uncle, friend, soldier, brother-in-arms and fierce protector of those he loved.
Born and raised in beautiful Quebec City, Frank became an avid bicycle rider in his teenage years and could be seen riding his bike all over Quebec City. It is these adventures that sparked Frank’s love of history while exploring the old city. Frank later majored in history in the Maritimes and developed a lifelong love of history and service.
Frank joined the Canadian Armed Forces in April of 1988 and received his first training and mission as a Grenadier Guard. Once trained, he served under the UN in Kosovo in 1999 and again Bosnia in 2003. He went onto serve two combat tours in Afghanistan; Kandahar, 2010 and Kabul, 2013. Frank chose to occupy the very tip of the military spear, the infantry, the Patricias (Princess Patricia Light Infantry). Those that chose to dedicate their lives to military service are called to it, Frank not only met that call, but dedicated much of his career to train and mentor those that chose to follow their convictions as he did. The most notable example of this is Frank having trained Canadian Rangers from 2015 to 2019 in the most austere conditions imaginable throughout our Northern Territories. In his 36 years of service to our country, Frank defined was it is to be a soldier; leader; mentor; friend and above all, brother to many.
Please join Frank’s family as they honour his final tour of duty of peacekeeping in heaven.
Friends and comrades-in-arms are invited to assemble and pay respects on Friday April 19th at the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa after 12 noon. Memorial Service will be held in the Sacred Space at 1:30 p.m. followed by urn interment and military honours at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces.
Digital Guestbook
Bruce and Michelle Monaghan ( Cousin)Naples Florida
Mike Vollick
Rest Easy Brother.
Condolences to the family and friends of Frank.
CWO Cameron Stevens, MMM, CD (Sergeant Major - CGG)
Rest in Peace my friend and thank you for your service. You are legendary!
Kevin Lewis, PPCLI, CWO Ret'd
No words Warrior, absolutely no words.
May God watch over you old friend. My Sincerest Condolences to the family and loved ones.
Kevin Nielsen
It is sad to hear about Frank’s passing.
My condolences to his family and friends.
David Foell
Rest easy Frank. You were a great friend and soldier.
The Guard house
Meaford, spring 1997, BMQ section commander. R.I.P
Diane Dickson
So very sorry for the loss of your brother and friend. Thinking of your families at this time. Love you all
Joel Turnbull MMM,CD (MWO Retired)
Frank,
If was a pleasure to have served with you.
Never forget our frozen time in Dundurn, Saskatchewan. Good times soldiering.
Rest in Peace.
V.P
Carlo Bernard
The weight of this heartbreaking news pierced deep within me. My heartfelt condolences extend to his entire family, PPCLI and the Grenadiers. Know that our collective prayers and thoughts are with you all in this difficult time.
HERO’S TAKE ON MANY FORMS, BUT ANYONE WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY WITH SUCH PRIDE AND DISTINCTION IS
WITHOUT A DOUBT A HERO TO OUR FAMILY,MAY FRANK NEVER BE
FORGOTTEN AND MAY GOD REST HIS SOUL