KORYCAN, Frank William Korycan

Beloved husband of the late Betty (Schafer) for over 66 years. Dear son of the late Antonie and Frank Korycan of Ridgetown, Ont. Brother of the late Mary (late Charles) Montgomery of Perth, Ont.; Janie (Bill) Perrin of Grimsby, Ont. Father of Sandra (Robert Walters) of Guelph, Ont., Cynthia (Dieter Bredfeldt) of Carleton Place, Ont., and Dasha (Charles Elliott) of Ottawa, Ont. Loving and doting Papa to Grant (Kelsey) and Douglas Walters, Julia (Neil Kelly), Victoria (Pierce Conroy) and Olivia (Linden Cote) Bredfeldt. and Astrid and Sabine Elliott. Great-Papa to Bernadette, Xavier, Damian and Felicity Kelly; Joseph, Amelia and James Conroy, and Lucas and Alison Cote.

Frank William Korycan was born on Sept. 19, 1932, in Valleyview, Alta. where his parents (Czechoslovakian emigrees) were homesteading. In 1935, the growing Korycan family moved to Ontario for better opportunities, eventually settling in Ridgetown. Frank joined the ranks of the RCMP in 1952 fulfilling his dream. Following training, he was posted to “F” Division in Saskatchewan where he developed a lifelong love of the prairies and met the love of his life, Betty Schafer. Frank and Betty married on Christmas Eve 1957 and immediately moved to Montreal Quebec where Frank had been transferred to the Security and Intelligence Branch of the RCMP for counterintelligence duties. Frank had a long career with the RCMP in Saskatchewan, Montreal and lastly, in Ottawa until 1984. He continued with security and intelligence operations within CSIS from 1984 until his retirement in 1988.

Frank had a very full retirement pursuing his love of golf; serving 12 years on the RCMP Veterans Association executive board, locally and nationally, and attending their AGMs in every province excluding Newfoundland but including Whitehorse, NWT; and serving as part of the U.N. election observer contingent to South Africa in 1984 with fellow veterans. Frank cherished his ties to the Mounties and was always faithful at maintaining connections with Squad mates and attending Squad reunions.

While a very proud Canadian, Frank very much embraced his Czech heritage with two trips to the Czech Republic to visit relatives and explore his roots. Czech music was always playing in his Cadillac and there were many trips to Czech Cultural Festivals and Clubs in the States. Everyone wanted to polka with Frank!

Frank’s children were always in the forefront of his life. His three daughters were a source of great joy and pride which only multiplied as husbands, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren were brought into the Korycan fold.

So much will be missed about Frank: his rock-steady nature in any storm; his Mr. Fixit capabilities and Can-Do attitude; mischievous fun-loving nature and storytelling; his loyalty and faithfulness to Church, friends and service; his loving and generous spirit with his family.

Visitation on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod from 2-3pm. A celebration of Frank’s life and reception to be held following the visitation. For those who are unable to attend in person, click “watch now” down below to view the livestream. Private interment at Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown, Ont.