Frank Adamek

Frank Adamek, born on May 15, 1938, of Ukrainian parents in Toronto, Ontario, passed away in his sleep at home on October 24 2024, in Canmore, Alberta. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, curiosity, and adventure that touched the lives of those who knew him. 

A professional, Frank had a notable career in engineering, focused on nuclear power. He was educated at the U. of Toronto with postgraduate studies at the U. of Waterloo. He worked at AECL Ontario, went travelling and then worked at Ontario Hydro at the Pickering Power Plant. Upon marriage, Frank and his bride Tiiu went to the U.S. where he worked for Stone & Webster in Boston and Bechtel in Iowa and San Francisco. 

Back in Canada, Frank worked for Spectrum in Peterborough and later became self-employed, founding Adamek Associates based on his expertise. The family settled for 30 wonderful years in rural Garden Hill, north of Port Hope, ON. Built their house, raised their children, made life-time friends, skied a lot and enjoyed the lively parties. 

Frank was an avid traveler in the 1960’s. With his VW Bug, he drove through Europe, headed to Africa and the Middle East, went on to Asia, took in Australia, made good friends along the way and 3 ½ years later he returned to Canada from Tokyo in time for the ’67 EXPO. His passion for travel was matched by his love for the outdoors, enjoying sailing, hiking, cross-country as well as alpine skiing. Frank showed his strategic mind, still playing chess at the 4th level, his life-time game. 

Frank is survived by his beloved spouse of their 53 yrs’ marriage, Tiiu Adamek, their son Thomas Adamek (an Engineer like Dad) in Redwood City, CA. and their artistic daughter Krista Adamek (Biologist) who lives in North Carolina with her partner Joshua Weinfeld (Photographer). Frank was grandfather to Krista and Joshua’s two children. Family gatherings – biking, hiking and skiing – took place in Canmore AB, where Frank and Tiiu lived since 2003, “Because of the Mountains”. Early on, Frank had become the Go-To guy at the Canmore Seniors Center for getting the chairs fixed. 

Preceding Frank in death were his parents and his brother, Dr. Stephen Adamek, who worked for Dunlop where his team began the early production of synthetic rubber tires. 

A memorial service to honor Frank's life will be held on November 9, 2024, starting at 2:00 PM with visitation starting at 1:00 PM at Bow Valley Funeral Service located at 1508 Railway Avenue, Canmore, AB. Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation are welcome in lieu of flowers, if so desired. 

Frank Adamek's zest for life, dedication to his work, and love for his family and friends will be cherished and remembered. His ailments weakened him but at 86, with grit and community support, he was in good spirits and felt he had had an excellent life. To the end, he was still on his feet, however wobbly. 

He and Tiiu deeply appreciated their large circle of long-time friends and the new ones, from near and far-away. Love and support from the family and friends has been precious. Tiiu’s many relatives in Estonia enriched Frank’s life as well. He, and later, Tiiu, will both be buried with the Adameks in Toronto, under the plaque that says firmly, “Our Life As One”.