Francis Donaldson, Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC)
July 12, 1921 – September 20, 2015

With loving family by his side, Francis (Frank) Donaldson died peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2015.  Born in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland Frank attended the Glasgow School of Architecture. He served with the Royal Engineers during the Second World War and later moved to London where he met and married Phyllis Clarke in 1947.  He became an associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1951 joining Grosvenor Estates London Office. In 1954, with Phyllis and daughter Linda, Frank emigrated to Vancouver to become Grosvenor’s lead Architect and Planner for Annacis Island Industrial Park, recognized as a significant design of postwar projects in Canada.
Frank designed and supervised construction of the Guildford Shopping Centre in Surrey and four other regional retail centres affiliated with Woodward’s in Western Canada. In association with Arthur Erickson he designed the iconic McMillan Bloedel Building in Vancouver which was awarded the Massey Medal in 1970.  Other notable projects included the Project 200 office tower and plaza at Granville Square on Vancouver’s waterfront and the Canadian Pacific Telecommunications building. Frank and Phyllis moved to Hawaii in 1972, where he designed the Davies Pacific Centre and the Grosvenor Building in Honolulu, the Wailea Beach Hotel Resort in Maui and the Kona Resort in Hawaii.
In 1974, he returned to Vancouver as Development Director for Mobil Land Development Corporation, before relocating to San Francisco in 1977 as Senior Vice President, Design and Engineering. In 1983 he was transferred to the New York head office as President, Eastern Division.  During his career with Mobil Oil, Frank Donaldson was involved with notable development projects throughout the USA, including master planned communities at Redwood Shores and Bair Island, California; Reston New Town and Colonial Village, Virginia; and Sailfish Point, Florida.

Frank retired to Vancouver in 1986 and served on the Board of Trustees for St. Paul’s Hospital from 1987-1993.  He enjoyed an active membership in the Vancouver Chapter of Lambda Alpha International and socially with the Capilano Golf and Country Club.  In 1998 Frank was awarded as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC). Through all his endeavours Frank remained grateful for his affiliation with Grosvenor especially the pleasurable retirees “GOATS” Luncheons.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Frank will be fondly remembered for his sociable nature, his boundless generosity, his mischievous sense of humour and his Scottish pride. Throughout their relocations, he and Phyllis were devoted parents and grandparents whose proud interest and encouragement constantly enriched their family’s lives.  He was a supportive friend, mentor and tremendously influential in the lives of his loved ones. Frank was also a long term member of Country Meadows Senior Men’s Golf Club where he contributed to the Policy and Guideline Committee, enjoyed many social events, golf and warm camaraderie.

In 2003 Frank married Margaret Anderson and designed their residence in Qualicum Beach where they enjoyed an active retirement with golf, travel, family and friends.

Frank will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Linda (Mike), grandchildren Kyle (Cara), Hayley (Trevor) and Scott (Tania) and great grandchildren Ethan, Matthew, Davis, Ryan and Lyla.  He is predeceased by his dear wife Phyllis of 66 years, beloved daughter Alix and sister Elizabeth in Scotland.

His family wishes to express their gratitude to the professional caring team at Gilmore Gardens Residence providing every opportunity to enhance his quality of lifestyle.  Also with special thanks to his devoted caregiver and friend, Che Man, who encouraged Frank and generously supported his life care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, October 21st at Canadian Memorial Church, 15th and Burrard St. Vancouver followed by a reception at Point Grey Golf Club, 3350 S.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver.   Condolences may be left at www.kearneyfs.com