Frank Noseworthy
June 30, 1929 to April 13, 2021
Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that Susan, Lise, David and Jill Noseworthy announce the passing of Frank Noseworthy in his 92nd year.
Frank was born in St. John’s on June 30 1929. An accomplished architect, Frank received his architectural diploma in 1957. His career began on 5 Church Hill with Colbourne and Associates, after which he branched out to lead his own architectural firms over a long and productive career. A tireless and enthusiastic professional, he left his mark on buildings in St. John’s, most notably Mary Queen of Peace church, and in central Newfoundland, Labrador and Nova Scotia until he retired at 86 years old.
A lifetime Rotarian, Frank served his community as a member and in leadership roles. His proudest Rotary moments were taking his children as guests to Rotary luncheons and then later, his grandchildren; an opportunity to show them off was never missed.
An energetic tinkerer, Frank was never without a project. Whether it was multiple home renovations, gardening or building lego with his grandchildren, no task was too big or too small. Summers of cabin renovations at his much loved Harbour Main Pond earned him the nickname Head Wound Harry.
Frank was an aficionado of classical music, opera, art and a voracious reader. An artist himself, he experimented with all media producing skilled works from pin-up girls to still lifes. The beauty of his watercolour Christmas cards will never be replaced. An avid traveller, Frank explored too many places to list, diving enthusiastically into the local culture and architecture. He instilled the same enthusiasm in his children demonstrating that experience was more valuable than objects.
A gentleman to the very end, Frank will be remembered as a kind, compassionate and affectionate soul with a strong moral compass. He loved being surrounded by his friends and his children’s friends where he could weave the most wonderful stories. He fiercely loved his children, adored his grandchildren, valued his friends and taught his children to do the same.
Frank is predeceased by his parents Frank and Gladys Noseworthy, his sister Vera, his beloved grandson Colin (Janna), great grandchildren Phoebe and Natalie and the love of his life for 76 years, Jean Noseworthy. Leaving behind to hold his memory close to their hearts are daughters Susan (Virginia), Lise (John), and Jill (Todd) and son David; his adored grandchildren Jenny (Tim), Matthew, Jodie, Jacob, Sam and Max; his much loved great grandchildren Arthur, Beatrice, Eleanor and Bianca; his dear brother-in-law Harold (Pamela) and sisters-in-law Louise (Gordon, deceased) and Bernice (Aubrey). Frank also leaves behind a large number of friends whose lives he touched over his decades, most notably the Harbour Main Crowd and the TURDS.
In lieu of service or flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Dear Susan, Lise, David, Jill & families,
We are hoping that you find some healing and solace from the incredible presence, love and memories of your Dad that you hold dear in your hearts. Your Dad was a true gentleman in every respect and always generous in sharing knowledge and time about his passions. He introduced us to the work of modernist Oscar Niemeyer and it was so inspiring to experience Niemeyer’s life through the eyes of your Dad. He is a true model to the rest of us in so many ways. Thoughts of him will bring a smile and special memory. Take care of each other..
Sorry to hear of Franks death .. Worked with him on many projects at MUN. Always a pleasure .
To the Noseworthy Family
A Renaissance Man Frank was to me
Frank treated all with respect and dignity
Clients, consultants, contractors all trades too
All genders young or old
Frank listened to their views they told
He took the clients needs to heart
took site and context and applied his Art
His designs he could creatively describe
through watercolours he clarified many minds
I worked for Frank for a year or so
other Architects noted and I concur
Frank was a Passionate, caring and a Gentleman
Decades long his practice spanned
Frank wasn’t a can’t but was a Can
He gave much to our profession in this land
Frank was at his core a devoted, loving Family Man
God Speed Frank, our condolences to the Family
Frank and Paula Stanley
My family sends our deepest condolences to your family on the passing of your Father. Our parents spent some great times together over the years.
To Susan, Lise, David and Jill,,
My sincere condolences to you all. Frank, Jean, Tom and I spent some wonderful times together.
Love to you all
Joan O’Reilly
Lise, Susan, David and Jill:
I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to you all for your Dad’s passing.
Both Frank and his beautiful Jean were so welcoming and a joy to be around during my late teen years. I find myself fortunate to have witnessed the enduring love and friendship that they had for each other and the love that they had for you.
A friend once told me that everyone who crosses the path of my life has an impact on its direction. Frank and Jean have certainly had a lasting impact on the direction of my life, for which I will always be grateful.
I send a virtual embrace to you all.
Fondly,
Gerry Beresford
Noseworthy family,
Our deepest sympathies. Our parents sure had great times !! Thought of fondly , from the Gosse family.
Pam Gosse MacDonald
Shirley Rose (Gosse)
Karen Gosse Mercer
David Gosse
Susan, Lise, Dave and Jill
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. Frank was such a genuine person who so enjoyed the company of others. From our days at Harbour Main Pond to his encouragement to me when applying to Architecture School, he was so supportive. His dedication to your mom in her last years was commendable. May we all cherish wonderful memories of him.
From being a neighbour in the 1960s and then to reconnect at Rotary from the 1990s onwards, I know Frank to be ever a gentle and caring person. I hope the family finds comfort in knowing how many people have fond memories of him. I am sorry for your loss.
To all Frank’s family,
Patrick and I send you our very sincere sympathy on the passing of your father. We knew him through Rotary and enjoyed many conversations and laughs. We joined in his love of reading and traded books often.. At his request, Patrick even included his mother, your grandmother , in one of his tales.
I have missed him this past couple of years but am sure he is glad to be reunited with Jean.
Dear Susan, Lise, David and Jill,
We Colbourne sisters are saddened to hear of your father’s death. Our condolences to you and the family.
We knew Frank almost entirely from the 5 Church Hill days, where we as little girls would go fairly often after school, while waiting for a ride home with Daddy. No matter how busy Frank was at his draughting board, he welcomed us with great enthusiasm and his infectious warm smile. To keep us occupied, he gave us art supplies and found us a place to comfortably settle but more importantly, he gave us – his wonderful self. He asked about school, Brownies or Guides, enthused over our drawings and commented on the library book selections, we usually arrived with. He afforded his attention directly on one of us or both of us ( surely we were never more than two there at a time!) Frank showed interest in us, and we sensed it and revelled in it. He treated us like little people, not little children. We basked in the glow.
About ten years ago, we four sisters invited Frank for a coffee and he graciously obliged. We reminisced about old times and his kindly interactions with us. We updated him on our lives, and he, on yours. His love of your mother and you children was palpable. It was especially poignant for us to have had one last visit with such a lovely man. We hoped he sensed how fond we were of him, though we didn’t state it outright, sad to say.
We know you will miss him greatly and hope that cherished memories will sustain.
With love and sympathy from the Colbourne sisters,
Wendy, Diane, Karen and Roma
Sincere condolences to the Noseworthy Family, a very nice man that will surely be missed. .
To the Family and Friends of Frank,
On behalf of the Rotary Club of St. John’s Northwest, I wish to thank you for sharing your Dad with us over 50 years.. He was past-president 1975-76, Paul Harris Fellow 2001, and contributed to great fellowship and projects since 1970. You will be missed Frank by all your Rotary Friends. Thank you for all you gave back to the community as a member of our club.. May memories of your Dad keep him alive in your hearts forever.
The Noseworthy Family,
I started out working in the mid-seventies as an Architect on Church Hill next door to your father’s office and I visited his office on numerous times to meet with other recent graduate friends. Your father was always very welcoming.. Over the years we met at all the Architectural meetings and functions and it was a pleasure to converse with him. Frank was always friendly, down to earth and a true gentleman. He will be missed. My condolences to you all.
Carl Yetman
So sad to hear of your father’s passing.. I met him when I was only a child going to school at Mary Queen of Peace but crossed paths with him on many occasions as an adult. He was always upbeat, always smiling and always interested in what you were doing. He will be missed.
Our most sincere condolences. We were incredibly saddened to learn of Frank’s passing, and will forever remember him as part of our Harbour Main family. Our life long memories from those years are so special, and we often recall them with fondness. He will be dearly missed.
I never knew this man who was your dad and architect. However, I often worshiped at his lasting monument Mary Queen of Peace Church. It was and continues to be a place where the new architecture incorporated the new norms for places of worship and created an atmosphere conducive to prayer. His work -like Christopher Wren- is his everlasting monument. My condolences.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of grief.
Rob & Susan
To the Noseworthy family,
After completing my first year at the School of Architecture at Nova Scotia Technical College (Halifax, NS) in 1975 it was time for all of the class to go on our first work term for four months. Frank hired me and it was my first job in the industry and I will be forever grateful.
He was a gentleman and passionate about his chosen profession and took a keen interest is mentoring me and others in the office. I developed a number of friendships while there and maintain these friendships today. Frank was the principal architects for many fine buildings and volunteered much of his time to the development of the Newfoundland & Labrador Association of Architects.
I offer my sympathy to the family and May Frank Rest in Peace
Dear Family of Frank Noseworthy,
Frank was a very important person in my life. I arrived in Newfoundland from the Mainland in January 1974, as a fresh graduate of McGill University School of Architecture. I was also newly married to Cathy Ferri. I got the names of St. John’s architects from the phone book and went knocking on doors. Frank’s office was the second one I tried. He offered me a job and asked me to start right away. In my 11 years in St. John’s I worked with him twice, each time for a few years.
He was rock solid, generous, talented, and willing to trust his employees. He let us manage a project from client meetings, to design, through to working drawings, and construction administration. It was a very valuable learning experience, under a caring and experienced mentor.
I’m very glad I had a chance to know him.
Sincere condolences to Frank Noseworthy family. Although I never worked with Frank, I knew him as an architect and served with him for a number of years on the association council. He was a gentleman architect who always was so sincere and kind to all. I. Know that he and Jean were a wonderful couple who were so gracious to all who were in their company. Frank made a great contribution to our province through his exceptional work. Frank has mentored many young professionals who are carrying on his legacy through his influence. Frank Noseworthy will be sadly missed.
Sincerely,
Sandy & Angie Gibbons
Lise, John and family,
Bonnie and I were saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. I met Frank through our mutual work over the years. He was as adept at drawing or re-drawing a building as any. There is no doubt that his work fuelled him and even less doubt that his family sustained him. It was my pleasure to have many conversations with this warm, wonderful man who provided a powerful example for us all in his lifetime. Thank you, Frank. Godspeed to you.
Treasure your memories,
Terry and Bonnie Chaffey
To the Noseworthy family,
Frank was the first to give me a job after I graduated as an Architectural Eng. Tech. in 2000. I didn’t get to stay there long because we moved to PEI but he was great to work for and was a wealth of knowledge, so easy to learn from and a phenomenal story teller. I can only imagine the void he leaves for you, his family and friends.
You have my deepest sympathies.
Lise, Jill, David and Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. May he rest In Peace…
Dave,
I was very saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing.. Remember him fondly, proudly, with love and often
James Parker
To Frank’s Family,
I met Frank 64 years ago.
My art teacher, at Bishop Feild, had a drafting job lined up for me at F.A.Colbourne’s when school closed that summer. Frank was the person there that took me under his wing.
So Frank became my teacher and mentor for several years, and a better teacher you could not find.
We remained friends all those years and even got back together a couple of years before he retired to do a few architectural projects together..
I will miss him very much, however Jean now has him back.
May he rest in peace.
Jill, David, Lise and Susan
I started my career with Frank in 1981 on Church Hill.
He was always a pleasure to be around and to work with. I have always considered Frank as a friend more so than my employer and grew quite close to him and Jean over the years.
I am quite saddened to hear of his passing.
My deepest sympathies to you all.
Larry
I was so lucky to have many lunches and cups of tea with Frank, both at Rotary and his home, as we talked about books, paintings and the history of our Rotary club. Frank was just so easy to talk to and share a laugh. Please know our Rotary family will miss Frank immensely.
Lise, David, Jill and Susan
We will miss our wonderful next-door neighbour. Frank was a great conversationalist, always engaging about books he had read and places he and Jean had travelled.
He and Jean were so welcoming when we first arrived on Laughlin Crescent many years ago.
We offer you our deepest sympathy.
Alice and Kevin
Jill,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was so talented and creative. I fondly remember his cheerfulness and wit. May he rest in peace.
Susan,, Lise, David and Jill,
Thinking of you all at this difficult time..
We have wonderful memories from many years of friendship. From the Harbour Main days, to golf trips and dinner parties we shared many laughs and great times. The TURD lunches won’t be the same without Frank.
To The Noseworthy Family :
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dad.
I was fortunate to meet Frank back in the early eighties .A true gentleman and a very respected man in many ways.
May his gentle soul rest in peace and rise to glory.
Sincere condolences to all the family. Frank was a Rotary friend and we enjoyed spending time with him at Rotary meetings and events. He will be deeply missed.
to Susan, Lise, David and Jill ~
Please accept my sincere sympathy. Your father had been our good friend for many, many years. John so enjoyed his long conversations with Frank, when they would talk about so many things – music, opera, books and goodness knows what else – often there would be bursts of laughter, as they both had the same sense of humour. By this stage in my life, I should be used to hearing about the death of old friends – but I must admit that this one has struck a chord in my heart. I would like to think that Frank and John have at last met again in some realm where age and pain do not exist, and will continue those conversations that they both so enjoyed. As for me, I still miss Jean – and am all the sadder now knowing that Frank has gone, too. May they rest in peace.
Sorry to hear of your dear dad’s death. He was a true gentleman, welcoming and kind to all. I remember him from happy teenage summer days around Laughlin Cres, but also occasion interactions here and there over the years. Cherish your memories of this great dad.
So sorry to hear of frank’s passing. While I didn’t work with Frank……our paths crossed many times throughout the years on various architectural projects in the province. Frank was a very very dedicated Architect and his numerous projects were well planned. May he rest in peace.
Susan, Lise, David, Jill and families,
I’m sorry to hear of your Dad’s death, I certainly enjoyed him as a neighbour on Laughlin Crescent. He was a nightowl and I could look over and see him busying himself in the kitchen. Even if it was after 10pm, I could call over and say, “I’m running over for half an hour” and Frank would always respond with a welcoming invite. He was gracious and informed and just a delight to chat with. Those memories of my years on Laughlin Crescent are precious to me. In sincere sympathy, Gerry Marshall
Susan ,Lise, David ,Jill and family
Sending sincere condolences on the news of your dad’s passing . I have fond memories of time spent at your home in St.John’s where your dad always made me feel welcome . Such a lovely man. Thinking about you all at this sad time.
Elizabeth Downton (Squires)
Dear Susan, Lise, David, Jill, and whanau, I was very sorry to learn of Frank’s death. He was a lovely man, always interested in so many aspects of life. I always enjoyed hearing from him. And I know that Colin greatly valued all his interactions with GrandFrank, even doing crosswords with him when he was ill.
I know this will be a difficult time for you all, perhaps especially for Susan. I wish you all strength at this time. Keep yourselves well. Frank had a rich life. Love, Allan
Please accept our sincere condolences on Frank’s passing. From Uncle Bill (Glady’s brother) and Aunt Emmie Baker’s family.
Lisa, Neal and I are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.. Condolences to you and your family.
Neal and Dianne
A lovely man considerate and thoughtful always.Enjoyed my years in Rotary with him.A life well lived. TONY Evans
Truly saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. My condolences to the family. I shall never forget the evening that Frank presented me with my registration. He had the kindest words. I never had the pleasure to work for Frank, but our professional paths crossed ever so many times. He was always giving me a leg up. I could not repay the debt in a lifetime! He was sincere, encouraging, knowledgeable and witty. With his passing, the influence of a generation of the finest gentlemen architects of this province comes to a close.
Jill, David, Lise, and Susan,
We were lucky, my family and I, to have spent the past few years sharing Sunday suppers and family celebrations with Uncle Frank. Never a passive presence, he participated in all conversations and debates, so well read, but a great listener as well. It was here we learned how talented he was; his art; his photography; his work. An amazing and lovely man, he will be missed by all of us.
Lise,
So sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. Please keep the wonderful memories of your shared time as a family in your heart.
Janet O’Brien
Dave, I am truly sorry for your loss. It was so nice to reunite with your dad over these last 8 years at Sobeys pharmacy. We always had a little chat
Your timing for coming home was perfect. I’m sure you both enjoyed spending this time together
Nancy
Dave and family, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. I am sure his beautiful spirit will remain always in your hearts. Prayers and best wishes to you all!
Dear Susan, Lise, David and Jill. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Mr. Noseworthy was a gem of a person. As a kid hanging out at your cottage in Harbour Main, my favorite memories were of your mom’s homemade toll house chocolate chip cookies, and how your dad genuinely asked us kids “how are you today?” Your mom and dad were special people.
Dear Susan, Lise, David and Jill,
My sincere condolences on the loss of such a great father and role model. Reading his memorium, I realized what a full life he lead and a wonderful role model to you all! He is now with his love, Jean, and at peace. Know that they are both watching over you all – keep their happy memories always in your hearts!
God bless, Korona Reardon Brophy.
Lise and family, what a beautiful picture and life story. My condolences on your loss, Susan
I reached out to your dad even before I entered schooling for my architectural career and he was kind enough to allow me a summer work term at Noseworthy/Hearn. I learned so much that summer both professionally and personally from him. Always there with a word of encouragement and never discouraged me in asking him any questions about the architectural life I was interested in pursuing.
I was blessed even more to be hired on with Venture Architects after my schooling. This was not a job – it was my second home!
Your dad was an absolutely amazing man and I credit so much of my ‘real life’ learning to him.
Thinking of him has always – and will always – bring a smile to my face and warmth in my heart of many happy memories I was fortunate enough to have with him.
My condolences to all his family.
To Frank’s Family,
I knew Frank professionally and socially for over 50 years. A real gentleman with many talents. Honored to have him as a colleague and friend.
Betty and I send our sincere condolences.
Eric Jerrett
Saddened to learn of Frank’s passing..He loved family- his pride and joy always! He so enjoyed his professional career. A gentleman and friend who showed kindness, care, compassion to all. You all are in thought and prayer at this difficult time..
Teresa Trainor
Our deep condolences to the family of Frank
had the pleasure of in our Rotary days of sharing
many meeting together, He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of his kindness and wit
Hubert and Helen Sorhaitz
Our deepest condolences to the family on the passing of Frank.
His kindness and wit will surely be missed by us and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Jim & Carol Finch
Jens Haven Memorial School, Nain, Labrador is a fitting tribute to Frank’s work, and lifelong dedication to the architectural profession. Such projects were and are the very fabric of infrastructure, building for the future in Northern communities. My very best sentiments and condolences to the family.
Susan, Lise, David and Jill; we were very saddened to get the news of Frank’s death. We have such great memories of our weekends at the cabin and get togethers in town.
Susan, & Family, My Deepest Sympathy and Sincere Condolences on the passing of your dear father. He was a lovely man, and I know the wonderful memories will keep him close in thought and in your hearts forever.
Lise and family. So very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I have fond memories of visits to your house after games of tennis at Larch Park. I always felt very welcome as a quest in your home. Thinking of you at this time with sincere condolences.
Dear Jill, David and family, my parents and I wanted to say how sorry we are to hear of your Dad’s passing. We wish we could be together to celebrate his life but must send our condolences from afar.
Sorry to hear of Frank’s Passing. MY condolences to all the family.. Wonderful person.
Deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Frank’s family. He and my brother Gord were close friends as well as brothers -in-law. Whenever I met him, he was always pleasant and kind. Rest in peace.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I worked with him at Venture Architects for about 12 years and I loved that time so much. I was always amazed at the breadth of Frank’s knowledge and interests, and he always made a conversation seem easy. A kind man. I am very fortunate to have known him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Frank was a very interesting guy and a great gentleman he made Josie and i feel like family .Our sincere condolences to Dave and the family .
Lise,
Sorry to read about your father’s passing..
May his presence always be in your heart.
Thinking of you and hope you are well.
Ann Chafe
Sincere condolences to David,,Susan, Lise, and Jill on the passing of your beloved father and amazing grandfather. Frank was the finest of gentleman that will forever be in the hearts of the many lives he touched, I hope that you find comfort in wonderful memories and the love and company of each other during this difficult time. Thinking of you. Please take good care.
Sad to hear the news of Frank’s passing. Working on projects with Frank the past 20 + years, he was always creative in his ideas. Frank always made time to say hello to you, when he was attending a Rotarian lunch at the hotel. He will be missed.
Remembering your dad with much love. He always had a ready laugh and such a caring presence. So glad for our families many years together at the cabin!
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a lovely man . He always stopped for a chat when we would see him.. He will be missed. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Noel and Patsy ( Noonan ) Breen.
My grandfather was the greatest soul I’ve ever had the honour of knowing. He was such a bright, loving, & passionate person. He will be forever missed & never forgotten. My grandma & him raised the most wonderful father, which I am forever grateful for. Alongside the rest of my 3 aunts. I know he lived a beautiful life & I will cherish the moments of which I got to spend with him.
I’m very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Frank was a wonderful man, always greeting me with kindness and warmth, always making me feel welcome and valued. This great gift of his I will always remember.
So sad to get this news Susan, Lise, David and Jill. . Frank ani I felt honoured to count your Dad and Mom among our best friends…so many dinners, bonfires, storytelling, blueberry picking, and the odd glass of wine together at Harbour Main Pond. They are both deeply remembered and missed.
So Sorry to hear about your Dad