Francis "Frank" Anthony Bussières

To the family of Francis, I found a card today from Yolande thanking the staff at the VON ADP where I once worked. I keep all cards received and this one makes me smile. I see that Francis passed away. I want you all to know that I feel very fortunate to have met him. From the moment I met him I knew he was a great man. And I felt that it was my misfortune that I had not met him sooner. I always felt that he was special, you could talk to for hours. Very humble, very kind. He truly did have a twinkle in his eye. Always. Kim

Rus in vrede Oom.

I had the great privilege and pleasure of working with Colonel Bussières when he was in charge of preparations for the 1976 Olympics in Montreal and again when he was Director General of Dependents Education in Ottawa. The world was a better place when he was here and his death is a great loss. I wholeheartedly echo the sentiments of others that he was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman. My sincerest sympathies to his family.

Letter I wrote to Yolande, Michelle , Siomne and Jean Francois on September 5th. 2016 which I would like to share with all my brother ' s family and friends. Dear Yolande, Michelle, Simone and Jean Francois , I hope you do not mind receiving the attached letter to your Dad. This morning as I was working on the computer I started to think of my brother and how I wanted to write him a letter. As I started to think at what I wanted to say I thought of his family and how they rallied around me while all the time they were so heavy hearted at the pain he was suffering and his being called to be with Our Lord in Heaven. A letter to my brother Francis Anthony , On September 16th. I'll be thinking of you as your ashes are placed next to your wife Mary Francis Bailey. Many years and memories have past by , however ,the moment that I will cherish in my memory bank is this past August 20th. As I eneterd your hospital room I wondered if you would remember me .This fear disappeared as I entered as your eyes lit up and that warm smile of yours filled your face. What a greeting your gave me. The next few hours were filled with family talk and memories . Frank , it was great for a Rifleman to feed a Gunner . Dear brother God blessed us with these moments . He really wanted us to be together. On Sunday morning He looked down and saw that your family was there with you so He told your Guardian Angel to bring you Home. The Angel took you by the hand and led you to the Gates of Heaven. What a lovely sight I am sure you saw Mary , Ruth Elizabeth , Joan , Mom , Dad and our brother whom we never met. I can only imagine with my earthly mind how they led you to the Throne of God.What a lovely welcome you were given . Frank , do not worry about Yolande, Michelle , Simone and Jean Francois . Mary and you taught them well. Frank , Hear our prayers Intercede for us Rest in Peace. " We'll meet again some sunny day " Your kid brother Peter Christopher Alfred

My sincere condolence Simone,Yolande,Michelle and JF. Your Dad was one of the finest soldiers/men have known and feel true honoured to have known him. End of Mission Stand Easy Col.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam . ( May his soul be at the right hand of God ) Rest in peace dear brother

Uncle Frank was a very special person to me. When I was young and saw an army jeep I use to say there's Uncle Frank's friends!. My Godfather, was a very special person to many. He loved his Country, he loved being involved and helping others, but importantly he loved his family. Anyone that met Uncle Frank felt welcome and special. His twinkle in his eyes told the whole story. Over the last couple years I was very fortunate to spend time with Uncle Frank and my cousins on my visits to Calgary. I love you and will miss you. Rest in peace Uncle Frank. Love Margaret Simone, Yolande, JF and Michelle

Frank was w wonderful friend and a first class gentleman. He will be missed

I had the privilege to serve with Colonel Bussières at the creation of 5e RALC in 1968 . I was a young gunner at the time and we all had a lot of time for our 2 i/c, he was an outstanding officer who was well liked and repected by the troops. I only have good memories of those early days in 5e. May he rest in peace. Good shooting End of mission Stand easy My deepest condolences to the whole Bussières family.

A true Gentleman and a true Gunner. Remembered fondly from the days of the foundation of the SSM Batteries.

I have nothing but the fondest memories of Frank. I served with him in the startup days of 5RALC and in later days in 5ieme Brigade. He was a Gentleman of the first order.

I met the Colonel (my adopted father), J.F. and Mrs. Bussieres back in 1979 when Sim asked me to come stay on the base at Valcartier during a short break we had at UNB. The family made me feel as if I had known them since birth and very much part of the their family. The Colonel was certainly a family man - (he loved his children) and his sense of humor was part of his demeanor. I'll always remember sitting at the dining room table after supper, drinking wine, while the Colonel told us stories of his adventurist career. His story telling left you in awe, wanting to hear more. I was fascinated - yelling more wine!, as I did not want the night to end. The Colonel gave me the $100.00 tour of the base, I saw their old car that they had in St. Bruno being used as target practice by long range canons (I think), Went to the Officers Mess etc. One thing that has forever stood out was the respect the everyone on the base had for him - you could not walk 10 feet without a reciprocal salute. It was genuine and meaningful. A few weeks after the visit - I received a letter from the Colonel - on official Valcartier letterhead, (he had great penmanship), the letter - I still have today, was both a happy to have met you and your always welcomed and a stern reminder of the Army and what it represents. You see, I over stepped my boundary on my choice of words used to described an Officers formal attire and formal functions. The Colonel, set me straight on the matter, enclosed in the letter he provided a picture of himself in full dress uniform - with a serious stern face. On the back of the picture he wrote that the picture was taken after he had steel wool for breakfast and that I should refer to his picture whenever I felt I needed some guidance. I will miss him. Sim, Michelle, J.F. and Yolande, please accept my sincere condolences. Dan

We had the pleasure of serving with Frank & Mary in Picton and Gagetown. In later years we were privileged to be hosted by Frank & Mary for a grand tour of Paris. Frank was always a highly respected Officer at every rank level. A true Officer and Gentlemen.

Frank was a real gentleman and a dedicated gunner officer. His honesty and sincerity were apparent in all his undertakings. His major contributions to the formation of 5 RALC as Second-in-Command from 1968 to1971 were instrumental in the success of that operation. Darlyne joins me in offering our most sincere condolence to the Bussiere family

A fine soldier, mentor and friend from the earliest days of 5eRALC and 5eGBC as well as the FLQ crisis and other regional operations. As the first DComdt of a new unit with no people, equipment or even accommodation, the DComdt's role in building a new unit was critical and Frank's contribution was enormous. He was, and remains, admired and respected by all. We have a special place in our family for Frank and Mary. He was instrumental in orchestrating our wedding and we have remained friends over the years. Sincerest condolences to your family who have lost such an inspiration, but we are sure that his influence will remain with you over the coming years as it will with us. Sincerely, Doc and Andrée Hopper

Memories of our 1960 SSM startup days in Picton are not going to be forgotten.

I had the very great pleasure of commencing my Gunner career in 1951 with Frank in 119 AA Bty at Gordon Head Barracks, Victoria, BC. Frank was then a most talented subaltern, a leader in the making. We then served together at the School of Artillery (Anti Aircraft) in Camp Picton in the mid 70's, and in fact lived on the same street, Centre Street, in Picton Ontario. What wonderful neighbours they were. Although we never did serve together after our sojourn at the AA School, I did follow Frank's career with great interest. He was a superb Gunner officer, and a mentor to many. A tragic loss not only to the family, but to his many Gunner friends as well. HJ

Frank a toujours marqué les organismes pour lesquels il a travaillé. Honnête, travailleur infatigable, il était admiré de tous. Mes condoléances et celles de mon épouse Roberte sont offertes à toute la famille. He really made a difference. Lgen(ret'd) Paul G. Addy

I knew Col Frank in Valcartier and always enjoyed his useful words and sense of humour. He was an excellent example for those of us who still had lots to learn! My deepest condolences to the family. Stand Easy.

A true gentleman and a great soldier. He will be missed.

Chers membres de la famille de «Monsieur» Frank Bussières, nous avons connu votre père à la création du 5eRALC à Valcartier en 1968. J' étais le premier capitaine-adjudant et nous avons tous vu Frank créer un régiment à partir de rien, l'équiper et le mettre sur pied. Il était un travailleur acharné qui ne tolérais pas l'inefficacité et l'inexactitude ou l'approximation. Il était infatigable et se battait tous les jours pour obtenir ce qui était dû au nouveau régiment : les véhicules (il est allé lui même en chercher à Gagetown et à Picton!), les équipements et surtout l'espace de bureau et de garage pour notre nouvelle unité, empiétant sur le terrain du R22eR, ce qui n'était pas facile. Il était un supérieur compréhensif et est devenu un bon ami. Annette et Pierre

I wish that I would have met him. Thank you for this tribute. His legacy of respect and kindness no doubt lives on in his troops. RIP

Frank was indeed a marvellous soldier and a complete family man, but for me he was a very good friend and mentor, and even though our paths had not crossed for several years I will miss him greatly. I do not know where the phrase "an officer and a gentleman" came from but it described Frank perfectly

I only had the Pleasure of meeting Frank for the first time back in 2015 but after hearing so much about this very loved man he did not disappoint. He was lovable, smart, witty and most of all endearing :) I loved his company for the short time I was with him and enjoyed his amazing sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by so many wonderful family and friends but is now with his dear beloved wife once again. RIP Frank it was an honour x x

Simone, my deepest condolences to you and the Buissieres family. As the wonderful Father you spoke of so highly, I know he will be sadly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you now.

Jean-François - so sorry to hear that your dad has passed. He was clearly well-loved and deservedly so. As was your mother. I have not met your siblings but judging from you, they clearly had great parenting skills and provided a loving home. I remember him - them - well from their visits to Ottawa. They seemed like the kind of parents that welcomed their children's friends. The best kind. I know you were close and will miss him. But he'll never really be gone. My thoughts are with you. Take care of yourself.

Condolences to Frank's family. I remember him as a wonderfully warm and kind man. He made a lot of important contributions in his life, and raised a terrific family. He will be badly missed. love Tom Coonan, your cousin

Mes pensées sont avec toi, JF, et ta famille. Je me rappellerai toujours de ton père comme un homme libre d'esprit qui aimait la vie, entouré de sa famille. Mes sincères sympathies. Josée xxx.

JF, my deepest condolences to you and yours on the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace!

My deepest sympathies to the Bussières family. I will always remember Frank with fondness and I know that he will be missed my many, especially his family. May he rest in peace.

I wish to offer my deepest condolences to the Buissieres family, particularly to Jean-Francois who is my son Daniel's best friend. M. Buissieres was obviously a great man (what a wonderful tribute!) who was dearly loved by his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With love, Claudette (Lamothe) LeBrun xx