A while back, I asked Frank why he decided to be a defence attorney. His answer told me a lot about who he was as a human being, or maybe just reminded me.

He said that on one side was the entire apparatus of the state: police, crown prosecutors, prison guards, probation officers. There were judges, who (as he delicately put it) were sometimes impartial and sometimes maybe not so impartial.

Then he went on to say that on the other end of the scales of justice, there was just one person. Alone. Who might or might not be guilty. But who sure as heck would end up in the slammer if the government had anything to say about it.

And Frank didn't think that was fair.

I saw him in action once. He mentioned the day before about a case he was defending. Not any of the client's personal details, of course. He was always very scrupulous about those. But enough to make it obvious to me that his client was going to get hammered; that she didn't stand a snowball's chance.

I guess I wasn't the first to underestimate Frank. Within five minutes, he had the prosecutors tied in knots. In half an hour it was over. She was free. Frank had done the impossible and made it look easy.

Afterwards, I asked if she'd paid his fee. He mumbled that he didn't remember. It was pure Frank. He didn't care about the money. He cared about justice.

We'll never meet anyone like him again. Good night, old friend.

Frank and I shared a keen interest in politics, current events, sports, and cars. The kinds of topics that would spark long, lively conversations filled with both insight and laughter. Not every conversation was lighthearted; many touched on serious, thought-provoking subjects. And I always appreciated his wisdom and perspective. He saw the world through a thoughtful and deeply human lens, which made every discussion special.

We had so many great conversations, and I really respected his strength and character. He was so generous, supportive, and totally selfless. He always found time for me and helped our family through some difficult times, and I will always be grateful for that.

Frank was also a great cook, and it was always a privilege to be at the family table. He put real care into every meal, and those dinners were about more than food. They were about friendship, laughter, and feeling connected.

We spent many winters in warmer places, going for long walks and exploring new surroundings. Often, we would find ourselves following our wives through shops and tourist spots, smiling as they led the way. Frank always had a quiet grin and a one-liner ready that would make me laugh.

He also loved to joke that he bought his large car specifically for our wedding, so he could be our chauffeur on our wedding day, and sure enough, we used that very car for the occasion. It became one of those stories we would laugh about every time it came up.

I’ll never forget the day of our wedding. It was raining, and since we had planned an outdoor ceremony, everyone was concerned. Frank, always the optimist, assured us it would clear up — and sure enough, just before we started taking pictures, the sun came out. He had a way of making everyone feel calmer and more relaxed, even in stressful moments.

What I’ll remember most about Frank is the easy friendship we shared — his warmth, humour, and kindness, and the way he made so many moments memorable. It was truly a privilege to know him, and we’ll always miss him dearly.

Frank was my best friend in law school.

He was kind and understood that my position as the only girl in an all male environment made me the underdog. Frank had an unerring understanding of what that meant as he came from an impoverished background. He liked to joke that their large family tested the housing relocation program by moving frequently. His sense of humour and wit was always in evidence. He will be very missed by his loved ones. Rest in peace Frank.

I love this picture of Frank as it embodies who he was so perfectly. An intelligent man who had a sharp wit and was quick to laugh. Frank was such a generous and caring man taking a loving interest in all whom he cared about. One of our family's fondest memories and indeed an event that we all looked forward to every summer was when he would see my twin boys for the first time. He would remark on their age and always add a .9er at the end of the number referring to the fact that he knew that their birthdays were just around the corner "How are the 12.9ers?" . There is a hole in our extended family now but we will always hold it for great memories of such a great man. He was well loved.

If there grew a magnificent oak tree in the midst of a city, Frank Alberta Johnson would be the solid trunk with branches for arms reaching to the sky holding up all the people he knew, loved, and touched with his presence, giving strength, wisdom, justice, healing, comfort and compassion with kindness in every direction. Every branch of his life gave shelter from life’s storms, nurtured us, and protected us.

Frank’s tree of life was endowed with full, strong branches which carried the fruits of his labor. He understood people, stood up to bullies, advocated for those who needed a voice, and helped everyone he met who asked, his gentility leaving all those he interacted with feeling respected, worthy of being seen and understood to be the beautiful people they were born to be. While everyone has a story, Frank carried their thoughts, their feelings, and their secrets, helping them transform each in their individual way to be better people for having known him.

Himself coming from the roots of poverty, Frank believed in himself, worked hard to get to where he was in life, set goals, focused, and reached for the stars. He was so intelligent, generous above and beyond, and an incredible role model giving every ounce of his life force to us, encouraging, advocating, wanting us to be better versions of ourselves, self-realizing our potential. Frank shared everything he learned, everything he achieved, and tried to live to the fullest. He was gifted, accomplished, gentile and kind, and led his life by the values of justice and respect for others and their unique circumstances. He was a thinker, and used his strength and knowledge to advocate for others, those unable to stand up effectively for themselves. He unselfishly gave and gave and gave for the betterment of others.

For Frank every problem, no matter its complexity, had a solution, as he exercised judgment, knowledge, observation and patience hand-in-hand breaking down each complexity into manageable pieces. He was a talented negotiator who married disciplined focus with goal setting. He believed in others. He fought for the rights of others. His passion for life afforded him the endless capacity to give of himself. He loved people, and he loved life. Frank had integrity, was fair, intuitive, listened carefully, impeccably presented, and had an amazing way with words and the English language, all with a tremendous sense of humor.

Frank also loved the law. The quiet pride in him standing in the Court House, the feeling that comes from living s life’s purpose, shared with me along with stories of endless touching memories of a purposeful life well lived, I can never forget. He was even asked to present a case before the Supreme Court of Canada. How many people can say that?

I knew Frank for well over fifteen years, sharing many seasons of being there for one another. Barely a day passed without communications. He was my best friend. I feel immeasurable personal grief from his passing, but I know that the solid oak tree which was at the core of Frank was so tall, so strong, and so full of love for each of us whom he genuinely loved and appreciated and adored. He wanted all of us to succeed and thrive, believe in ourselves, never forgetting our worth, and share in the deep richness of this life to the fullest. Frank believed and showed us by example unconditional love, forgiveness, responsibility, strength and gentleness hand in hand, and the kindness necessary to nurture the human spirit. He unselfishly gave to everyone who needed him, understood our humanity with an intense capacity to love. He nourished each of us offering what our hearts and spirits needed to flourish.

To me, Frank’s biggest legacy was the depth and breadth of his tremendous capacity to give unconditionally of himself for the betterment of others, the gift of loving kindness with no strings attached, a gift from his heart that he gave over and over and over again. Frank stood out head and shoulders above others, not because of his height and size, but because of his love and reverence for life and his respect and compassion for the circumstances of others. His love was immense, and that is why the branches of his oak tree were vivacious, rich and full of life in every direction. He was a beautiful, intentional, and impactful man, an amazing human being who made this world a much better place because he was in it. I loved him, and not a day will pass without missing him at the core of my being. He gave unconditionally and unselfishly so all our lives would be better.

Yes, I picture Frank as that amazing magnificent oak tree with glorious branches upholding each of us in his love, with that white dog he loved so long ago finally lying down on the grass nestled in beside him.

Frank treated me like a Son. Always just a phone call away. He signed my drug rehab forms 10 years ago, and I have been sober ever since. He defended me and beat every charge that addiction finds you involved with; I have no criminal record today. He helped me avoid bankruptcy. I have a credit rating, a truck and a condo today. He always defended my character and encouraged me to do my best. Reminded me I was worthy.

Today, I have a sober home, a stable job that I love, and a son in Medical School. Frank knew that understanding my trauma was the root to my healing, and that I wasn't just a bad person making bad choices, then he stood alongside me as I navigated my way through. I am going to miss you, Frank. I love you, Brother, you will be dearly missed.

Such a kind and lovely person. I will miss him very much. Sending love to those left behind.

Frank was a gentle but very bright light in every room he walked into. Always smiling and full of love for his children and grandchildren. I am merely a friend of the family but Frank always treated me with gentle, joyful compassion. I will never forget how gracefully he carried himself. A tragic loss for the family, my deepest condolences