Frank Willis grew up in Trail, BC, where skiing came naturally. He attended UBC, where he was a star of the legendary Thunderbird Ski Team from 1948 to 1952. He is deeply missed by his wife of 59 years, Mary Anna, and his three daughters, Julie, Beth (BHE’83) and Sally (BPhysEd’87, PhD’97).

After graduating as a mining engineer, Frank first worked on projects for Cominco in BC, then for 32 years with Wright Engineers as project manager responsible for projects in Canada, the US, Argentina and Spain. Frank then continued sharing his wisdom and strong business ethics with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC, where he helped to develop guidelines for Professional Excellence, streamline discipline procedures, and facilitate implementation of the Practice Review program.

Throughout his life, Frank was active in his church and with youth groups, including the Boy Scouts and the Tyee Ski Program, where he introduced thousands of kids to skiing. In recognition of “his achievements, his community spirit, service and devotion,” Frank received North Vancouver’s Centennial Distinguished Citizen Award.

Frank’s favourite places were Christina Lake, ski slopes, and his workshop. He was a loving husband, dad, father-in-law, granddad, uncle, neighbour, and friend.