Frank Sojonky

As the sun broke through the clouds over the Rocky Mountains, Frank Sojonky's battle with prostate cancer ended peacefully and with dignity. For over two decades, he fought this disease with his characteristic unwavering bravery and boundless optimism.

Frank was proud of being a small town boy – born of hardworking Ukrainian immigrant parents on the wrong side of the tracks in Regina – who went on to do well in the big city and beyond.

After graduating with a B.Comm from the University of Saskatchewan, Frank carried out a distinguished, half-century career in hospitality & recreation, real estate development and venture capital – to name but a few areas of pursuit. From subdivisions to securities; gravel pits to golf courses; townhouses to timber; Hong Kong to Hawaii, and throughout Western Canada, he was a driving force wherever he went. The breadth of Frank's fascinating business odyssey underlines his favourite saying: "Business schools may graduate MBAs, but only God makes entrepreneurs" Never afraid to risk it all, Frank won big and, occasionally, lost big; but there was not a challenge from which he backed away.

Frank will be remembered most for, and leave an enduring legacy because of, his vast philanthropic endeavours. He volunteered in and contributed to every community in which he lived, also donating and fundraising with generosity in the areas of animal welfare and prostate cancer research. The Carla Cumming Sojonky Adoption Centre, made possible by Frank's donation to the Bow Valley SPCA, stands as a testament to his love for his wife and his dogs. Together, the Sojonkys created the Frank and Carla Sojonky Animal Welfare Endowment, and the Carla Cumming Sojonky Spay and Neuter Endowment, through the Edmonton Community Foundation.

Singlehandedly, Frank put prostate cancer on the map in Alberta. He was grateful for the fundraising efforts of his fellow volunteers, a group that became known as the Bird Dogs, especially Bob Bentley, Jim Richl, and Jane Weller who collaborated with him in leading the charge. Frank and his team raised over $14 million toward this great cause, the effort for which was recognized by naming the endowment the Frank and Carla Sojonky Chair in Prostate Cancer Research (Cross Cancer Institute/University of Alberta). Frank received a number of other honours, including Pet Hero of the Year by the Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta; Local Hero by Prostate Cancer Canada; and he and Carla were named Edmonton's Volunteer Fundraisers of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Last month, Frank was named by the Governor General of Canada as a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, an honour that will be bestowed upon him posthumously for his significant contributions.

A gentleman and a scholar, Frank was admired for his boundless energy, spirited sense of fun, love of entertaining, appreciation of fine wines and splendid food, avid interest in a multitude of issues, and adoration of his family, friends and dogs. Frank had a lifelong appreciation of art, ballet, books, and film, and an abiding love of all things Italian – food, wine, and clothes, in particular. He loved tennis, jogging, and cooking, and enjoyed hunting waterfowl. Everything he did, he did with passion.

Frank held very strong views on a wide range of subjects and was never shy about sharing them. He fervently believed in universal medicare, public education, and corporate/social responsibility. Refusing to retire, Frank worked to the end. When he wasn't conducting high-level deals on one of his three cell phones, he was raising money for prostate cancer research at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.

Throughout his life, he worked passionately to make the world a better place, especially for those without a voice or power. He leaves a legacy of hope, determination, and financial support that will improve the lives of his fellow cancer patients, citizens, and their companion animals for decades to come. He was a proud Canadian whose record of service through his long and full life has been an inspiring example and source of pride to all family, friends and colleagues.

He and Carla will be forever grateful to Dr. Paul Klimo (Vancouver) and especially Dr. Peter Venner (Cross Cancer Institute) for their outstanding care. You were his heroes. In his final two months, Dr. Andy Reed and the angels of the nursing staff of the Canmore General Hospital treated him with honesty, respect, and utmost tenderness. Dr. Gerry Duggleby ensured that his pain was well-controlled. You are all owed a debt of gratitude. To the end, Frank maintained his dignity, determination, and will to live; he always believed that the cure was right around the corner. Prostate cancer may have won this battle, but Frank's legacy will eventually win the war.

Frank is survived by his wife Carla Cumming Sojonky, whom he called the love of his life; son Toma (Leigh) of Vancouver; grandchildren Lukas and Alexa; brothers Alex, Stan, and Ed; rescued German Shorthaired Pointers: Rigby, Stella, and Lily; and a multitude of friends and family. He is predeceased by his parents Sam and Polly, sister Els, and beloved pointers Mimi, Tavi, and Chloe.

In keeping with Frank's wishes and in lieu of flowers, friends wishing to pay tribute are asked to consider a tax-deductible donation to create a second palliative room at the Canmore Hospital (www.canmorehealthfoundation.ca); to the Bow Valley SPCA (www.bowvalleyspca.org); or to the Bird Dog Prostate Cancer Campaign, Cross Cancer Institute (780-432-8500 or www.albertacancer.ca).

A celebration of life and love will be held Saturday, 27 October at

1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church (10031 – 109 Street, Edmonton). Messages to the family may be posted at www.albertacancer.ca/franksojonky.

His life was gentle, and the elements

So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up

And say to all the world, "This was a man!"

Shakespeare

Published in The Edmonton Journal on October 23, 2012

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.