In Loving Memory of

Frank Douglas Jones KC

of Edmonton, Alberta
Aug 2, 2024

To watch Frank's Celebration of Life, please click here.

On August 2, 2024, Frank Jones, KC, passed away at the age of 88.

Frank was a true Edmontonian. He was born, grew up and spent most of his adult life in Edmonton as a remarkable member of the community. He was the Secretary of the Commonwealth Games, a founder of the Centre Club, Director of the Edmonton Eskimos, Director of the Northern Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, and a Chairman of the Alberta Government Hospital Privileges Appeal Board to name a few. He was Dean of the Law School at the University of Alberta from 1976-1986 and was a Bencher and a King’s Counsel. He did what he loved to do most, taught at the U of A Law School for over 30 years. Teaching was Frank’s calling, and he loved nothing better. He had a gift for taking the complex world of tax and making it understandable, his legal history class was nick-named “show and tell” because of the artifacts he brought in to keep the subject relevant and interesting. He was recognized as a recipient of the Alberta Centennial Medal for Outstanding Service.

Frank also contributed to the national arena. He was a Founder of the International Ombudsman Society, Director of the Canadian Blood Services, Member of the Canadian Human Rights Foundation, and a member of the Ministers Advisory Committee for the Canadian Pension Plan.

Frank was a third-generation graduate from Dalhousie Law School and was one of the rare people who knew right away what he wanted to do. He never wavered in his goal of becoming the best tax lawyer he could be. While teaching, he practiced tax law and appeared in all levels of the Tax Court and in the Supreme Court of Canada. He taught and spoke in such places as New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, the Middle Temple in England where he was an honorary member, Harvard and throughout Canada. Frank was one of the authors of the Canadian Tax Act in 1972 and stated that “he drafted only the portions that everyone likes and had nothing to do with any of the more onerous or difficult sections”.

It was the study of law that brought Frank to find the love of his life, Tricia, as they met when Frank moved to Toronto to take his Masters in Law at U of T. Frank and Tricia were married for 64 years, they travelled and lived all over the world and welcomed 3 children who were always a part of everything they did.

He loved people. He and Tricia would invite students, dignitaries, visiting speakers and anyone else they thought needed a warm welcome to come to the house for dinner. Whether it was a carefully curated small group to ensure interesting and lively discussion, or his students in a current term, sometimes up to 150 at a time, all were made welcome with great food and great conversation. He quietly and generously helped so many people, usually behind the scenes with no fanfare, whenever he saw a need.

Beyond the law, Frank had many other hobbies; he loved hockey and played as a defenseman into his 70’s, he was a talented organist, he curled, was a badminton champion, and played a mean hand of bridge. He had a fabulous palate for wine and pursued his passion all over the world, participating in tastings and various wine societies.

Frank is remembered by his many friends, students and family, including his wife of 64 years, Tricia (deceased); children, Bruce (deceased), Heather, Wendy (Lonny); grandchildren, Jake, Sam and Kate; and the dog Ben.

Frank’s Celebration of Life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Church (11526-76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 0K7).

We wish to say a special thank you to the incredible staff at Glenora Park. We ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Frank’s name to the Bruce Jones Memorial Scholarship at the University of Alberta Law School.

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home.