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
Vince Kennedy
Brent Kenny
Rest easy VP
Terry Ennover
Rip Frank, it was a pleasure serving with you.
Darcy (Lav) Lavallee, CD (retired)
Rest In Peace Brother
Sgt Buzz Bourdon CD
Sincere condolences to the Monaghan family RIP, Frank, you were a soldier
Carol Stadnyk (Sadler)
RIP “Frankie” one of the many memories with Frank was how he would test me about the history in old Quebec. You couldn’t pull the wool over his eyes, he knew history all to well.
Keith Parsons
Frank we will be greatly miss it was an honour to have service with you in 1 PPCLI
RIP Frank
Jason Zdyb (PPCLI Association VP-West)
Hello Monaghan Family
On behalf of the PPCLI Association, I want to express our deepest condolences for your loss. On a personal note, Frank was a pleasure to serve with and he will always have a special place in my memories of my service to the Regiment. Rest in peace Frank. VP
Jason (Jay) Zdyb
Vice President - West
PPCLI Association
Steven Mccluskey
My Sinceres Condolences to the Family members as for the friends & colleagues of Frank.
I will always remember you Frank in KHS as in Ancienne-Lorette as well.
May you RIP Frank.
Friendly,
Steven
Jacques Boucher
Ce fut un plaisir de te connaitre Frank, avec Martin Savard du Saint Brigid's et les fois ou tu rendais visite a tes parents au Manoir Mc Greevy. Toute ma sympathie, a vous, Monique, et a vos filles ...
Jacques Boucher, Mc Greevy Manor, Quebec City
Long service and a very good reputation, Frank taken too early. I did not know Sgt Monahan but had seen him, and his service tells us he was a fine Patricia.
BGen (Ret'd) Vince Kennedy, President Ottawa Branch PPCLI Association