Frank Monaghan

John Francis “Frank” Monaghan passed away at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, on January 15, 2026, at the age of 97.

Frank was born on August 1, 1928, in Crumpsall, England, near Manchester. He served in the British Army Pay Corps in Germany from 1946 to 1948, and in 1951 began his lifelong engagement with the chemical sciences, earning a certificate in chemistry from Burnley Technical College. In 1953, he immigrated to Toronto, Canada, selling his motorbike to pay for the journey.

Frank graduated from the University of Toronto in 1957 with a degree in chemical engineering. From 1957 to 1971, he worked in technical service for plastic piping, which was then a cutting-edge field. In 1971, he began a long and fulfilling career as a professor at Sheridan College in Brampton, where he was a member of the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology. His teaching focused on organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and engineering. He was widely respected and well liked by students and colleagues for his kindness, depth of knowledge, engaging teaching style, and intellectual curiosity. His passion for science and engineering remained strong throughout his life.

Beyond the sciences, Frank had a lifelong love of music, which provided enjoyment and enrichment throughout his years. He was happiest when working on a project, whether building a cottage near Parry Sound, Ontario; installing a copper-piping heating system in the family home in Toronto; or reupholstering chairs on his balcony in Victoria. History was another enduring passion. He possessed an extraordinary breadth of knowledge, ranging from the ancient world through much of modern history. His remarkable memory and enthusiasm for detail made conversations with him engaging and enlightening, and he delighted in sharing what he knew.

Frank retired from Sheridan College in 1993. In 1994, he and his second wife, Susan, moved to Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, where they lived for ten years before relocating to Courtenay. In 2013, Frank moved to Victoria, where he became an active member of the Unitarian Church and a familiar presence at the Monterey Centre in Oak Bay. He could often be found volunteering behind the coffee counter or working in the woodworking shop. An avid walker and cyclist, Frank rode his bike daily well into his late eighties.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Jim and May Monaghan, and by his siblings Terry, Pat, Eddie, and Eileen. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Stuart), his sister, Kathleen, and his former wives, Diana (Sarah’s mother), and Susan. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, generous spirit, and enduring curiosity about the world.