Francis Joseph (Frank) Dutton passed away on January 2, 2018 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. In early December, 2017 Frank was diagnosed with a rare and extremely aggressive form of bladder cancer, and despite the excellent and loving medical care received at Hospiten Hospital and his own fierce will to defeat the disease, he finally succumbed to multiple organ failure and left this world peacefully, surrounded by his wife and sons.

Frank was born in St. John's, Newfoundland on March 22, 1946 and graduated from Brother Rice High School. As a young man, Frank was an active member of The Eldermen and The Haidaways, a capella singing groups that gave him a great deal of pleasure; their shared experiences were the source of many fond memories and amusing stories. After attending the College of Trades and Technology, Frank worked for several years for General Electric in St. John's and Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1977, he moved west to Calgary, Alberta, where he found employment with IKO Industries Ltd. and worked as a Foreman there for over 30 years. Frank met and married Judith (née Hurrell) in 1986. They raised her three sons (Michael, Christopher and David) and built a wonderful life together that lasted for 31 years.

Following cremation in Puerto Vallarta, a beautiful Memorial Service was held on January 7th in Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico, where Frank and Judith had spent the past several winters, with the Reverend Blair Odney officiating. As per his request, Frank's ashes will be scattered this coming summer off the coast of Cape Spear, Newfoundland. A funeral Mass will be held at that time (date to be announced).

By the time of his death, Frank had already been predeceased by his parents, Lawrence V. and Nora (née Griffin) his brothers, Patrick, Larry and Kevin and his niece, Kerri Dutton. Frank will be remembered with love by his wife Judith Ann Dutton and sons Michael John Rae; Christopher James Rae and his wife Jimena Bordes and their sons Daniel and Justin; David Robert Politi and his wife Kimberly Maas; siblings Dermot "Don" and his wife Margaret; Dianne Munroe and her husband Lachlan; Brendan and his wife Deanne; Philomena; John and his wife Cathy; sister-in-law Pamela; brother-in-law John C. Hurrell and his wife Helen; their respective families, and his beloved little dog, Maxine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's name to Canadian Blood Services (www.blood.ca), where Frank was proud to have made 404 donations of whole blood, plasma and platelets over his lifetime. Special donations of blood from both Canadian and American expats and even staff at the hospital kept Frank alive through several of his final days and gave him hope for victory over his disease, although it was not to be.