The fund was established by Frank’s family in 2020 in recognition of Frank’s decades of leadership in sports, athletics, recreation and community outreach. The Fund will be used to support health and wellness initiatives contributing to individual and/or community wellbeing.
Raised in Hungary, Frank excelled at volleyball and running, becoming involved in sports administration with a local soccer team. He was drafted into the Hungarian army, and coordinated volleyball tournaments while receiving more sports administration training. After leaving the army he was offered a job as Athletic Director at Sopron University and after fleeing for Austria and then Canada where he landed at UBC as a soccer and volleyball coach. Frank then went on to co-found the BC Volleyball Association. In 1960 he was offered a position as Physical Program Director with the Downtown Vancouver YMCA, later moving to the North Shore Family YMCA as Senior Physical Program Director. After building a reputation in recreation he was hired by the District of West Vancouver as a Recreation Manager, and eventually as the Director of Parks and Recreation, the position he retired from in 1989. He was most proud of the creation of the new West Vancouver Aquatic Centre and Seniors Activity Centre during his tenure.
Frank was one of the most influential voices in West Vancouver when it came to physical activity. He created men’s fitness and running programs for Capilano Golf Club; the Fit Fellas exercise program at the West Vancouver Recreation Centre, and he co-created the infamous Nomads running group who, under his leadership became a tight knit group of friends who enjoyed practical jokes and weekly breakfast as much as running. Frank lived and breathed exercise, activity, community involvement and leadership, still giving back to the community in his 80’s by leading walking groups and encouraging his neighbours to stay active. He was recognized for his many contributions over the years by receiving the BC Recreation and Parks Association Award of Merit, the West Vancouver Citizen of the Year Award, and the North Shore Sport Award for Community Leadership, to name a few.
Frank will always be remembered as an ambassador for healthy living, a determined and accomplished runner, leader, and friend to many.
Please note:
- In order to properly recognize all donors for their contributions, West Vancouver Foundation will share your name and donation amount with the fund representative unless you have checked the anonymous box on the donation form.
- This fund’s granting purpose is subject to change.