Francis William Mather

Peacefully, at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, November 19 at the age of 86 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Beloved husband to Fiamma, his ‘Principessa’ for over 26 years. Cherished husband of his first wife, the late Marlene (nee Flash). Dear father to Mandy (Eyal Lichtmann) and Rachel. Beloved stepfather of Mark Ellis (Stephanie Morgenstern) and Natalie Ellis (Bipin Manuel). Loving Zaidy to Maya, Noa, Liel, Marley, Andie, and Nono to Lucy, Nyx and Nina. Brother of Judy, the late Stewart, Harold, Marian, and the late William. Born in North Gower, Ontario to the late William and Martha (nee Smith).

Frank ran his own business for many years, taking care of other people’s homes with his aptly named firm, Golden Hands Enterprise. Prior to that he worked for Eaton’s as a buyer where he relished the opportunity to travel, especially to Japan. He loved airplanes and for his 80th birthday took a thrilling flight in the open cockpit of a vintage Stearman. He was gifted with his hands, creating many beautiful paintings and often crafting thoughtful presents for friends and family. He loved birds and feeding them and sitting by the lake. He loved camping and the north and he shared many memories of those times. His smile was as big as a child’s – it truly went from ear to ear and we were blessed to see it even as he faced his final days. He will be missed so very much.

Special appreciation to the staff at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for all of their compassionate care. A Memorial Gathering will be held at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 485 Brant Street, (one block north of City Hall), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Thursday, November 27 from 1-3 PM with memories shared at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Parkinson Canada or the Georgian Bay Land Trust would be sincerely appreciated by the family.