OBITUARY: Sgt. Frank MONAGHAN (1968-2024)

Called up too soon: It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Monaghan on March 21, 2024, at the age of 56 in Edmonton, Alberta. He is survived by his mother, Monique Monaghan; his sisters Karen Monaghan and Susan Smale (Chris); and nieces Emilie and Alexandra Smale. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Edward Monaghan. Frank was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a loyal son, brother, uncle, friend, soldier, brother-in-arms and fierce protector of those he loved.

Born and raised in beautiful Quebec City, Frank became an avid bicycle rider in his teenage years and could be seen riding his bike all over Quebec City. It is these adventures that sparked Frank’s love of history while exploring the Old City. Frank later majored in history in the Maritimes and developed a lifelong love of history and service.

Frank joined the Canadian Armed Forces in April 1988 and received his first training and mission as a Grenadier Guard. Once trained, he served under the UN in Kosovo in 1999 and Bosnia in 2003. He went on to serve two combat tours in Afghanistan: Kandahar (2010) and Kabul (2013). Frank chose to occupy the very tip of the military spear: the infantry, the Patricias (Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry). Those who chose to dedicate their lives to military service are called to it. Frank not only met that call, but dedicated much of his career to training and mentoring those who chose to follow their convictions as he did. The most notable example of this is Frank having trained Canadian Rangers from 2015 to 2019 in the most austere conditions imaginable throughout our Northern Territories. In his 36 years of service to our country, Frank defined what it is to be a soldier, leader, mentor, friend and above all, brother to many. 

Please join Frank’s family as they honour his final tour of duty of peacekeeping in heaven.

Friends and comrades-in-arms are invited to assemble and pay respects on Friday, April 19, at the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa after 12 noon.  A memorial service will be held in the Sacred Space at 1:30 p.m. followed by urn interment and military honours at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. 

To leave an online condolence message, please visit beechwoodottawa.ca/en/services/frank-monaghan.