Frank Sinclair Ruhl

Peacefully, with family by his side at his home in Victoria. Frank, in his 96th year, leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Agnes (Johnston), his 5 children, Anne (Jim Murray), Andrew (Susan Hirst), Nancy, Mary (Jim Coady), Jane (John Silva), 12 grandchildren (Bill, Michael, Addie, Jessica, Laura, Ryan, David, Gray, Kate, Jack, Evelyn and Andrew), and 7 great-grandchildren (Carter, James, Evelyn, Owen, Wesley, Franklin and Stanley). Frank was born in Wiarton, Ontario where his father worked for the Bank of Canada. The Bank transferred the family often, first to Toronto then to Ottawa and then back to Toronto in time for Frank to attend North Toronto Collegiate. In his senior year, he was a member of the school’s respected Senior Football team, winning the City of Toronto high school championship in 1944. Until recently, the team celebrated its championship win with an annual reunion, the last one held 75 years after the winning game. After high school, Frank enlisted in the Canadian Army; the war ended just as he completed basic training. Frank enrolled in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Forestry and as a summer student was assigned to a position in Eugenia, Ontario. It was in Eugenia that he met Agnes, also a University of Toronto student, leading to their marriage in 1950. After graduation, Frank’s first job took them to Eagle Lake, Ontario where he worked for International Cooperage for four years before returning to the Toronto area to begin a 30-year career in sales with Johns-Manville Corporation. Frank’s love of the outdoors beckoned and in 1961 Frank and Agnes moved to a farm just south of Milton on Bronte Street South. He and Agnes spent 50 years on the farm raising their five children. Frank will be remembered for his contributions to the Milton District Hospital’s Foundation Fund over many years through the sale of Christmas trees grown on the farm. Frank was also active in the leadership of the Milton chapter of the Canadian Red Cross. Frank and Agnes retired from farm life in 2011 and travelled regularly between Milton, Meaford and Victoria B.C. where they enjoyed spending time with family. Ruhl Drive, running between Bronte Street and Farmstead Drive was named in recognition of Frank’s years on the farm. The heritage farmhouse still stands at the top of the hill in the middle of Sunny Mount Park, where it awaits restoration. Frank will be remembered for his warmth, quick wit and excellent conversation, and for his keen interest in history and exploration. He was an expert canoeist, avid road biker, cross country skier, gardener, woodworker and hiker. Above all else, he will be remembered for his deep love of family. Notes to the family can be sent to ruhlfamily6607@gmail.com.