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
Abanico
Karl Gotthardt
RIP soldier. Never forgotten
Arthur W Birss CD2
Gone but not forgotten RIP my friend.
Sgt. Michael Gibson (Ret)
Glad I served along side you Frank. VP
Brandon Gorham
Rest in peace Frank, it was an honour to serve with you overseas and at home, thank you for always keeping our morale up, and bleeding the ric-a-dam-doo, you were a legend and inspiration to a whole generation of warriors, and showed us all what it meant to be a Patricia, Skål and VP brother
Larry and Joan Monaghan
Our deepest sympathy to Aunt Monique and our cousins Karen, and Susan and her family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. I will always treasure my wonderful childhood memories of Frank visiting at our home in Quebec . I will miss you dear cousin .
Herb Kenny
Condolence to the family from all members of the Edmonton Branch of the PPCLI Association. Once a Patricia Always a Patricia. Frank was an honour to have served with you. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him. May he Rest in Peace VP.
Kiwi
Frank, it's been years since I saw you last. I never thought it would be the last time, surely. You are missed, my friend.
Chris Smale
Brother in law to Frank. Our hearts will ache for you but we know you are at peace.
Sheldon Ptashnik
Rise In Power Frank.
Rest easy Frank.