Frank Casey, class '50

The Union was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Frank Casey, class '50.

One of four brothers sent to the 'Knock. William (Billy) (RIP) class '49, James (Jimmy) class '59, Joseph class '63.

It is with deep sadness that the Casey family announces the death of J.C. Frank Casey Q.C. who died peacefully on May 8, 2018 in Calgary following a lengthy illness. He was born May 17, 1932 in Rathgar, Co. Dublin to Charles and Helen (nee Hanlon) Casey. He spent his formative years at Castleknock College where he acquired his love of learning and his inquisitive nature from the Vincentian priests. He went on to the University College Dublin to study law and was called to the Bar at King’s Inn in 1954. His father, a prominent Irish Barrister who went on to become the Attorney General of Ireland and subsequently a High Court Justice sparked Frank’s passion for the practice of law and set a standard of practice to which Frank always aspired. His sharp intelligence, expectation of high standards (both for himself and others) and his sense of fair play set him apart as he built a successful law practice specializing in insurance litigation. He started his practice in Dublin and continued to build it upon joining the MacLeod Dixon Law Firm in 1960. He was called to the Alberta Bar in 1961 and became a partner at MacLeod Dixon in 1966, and was honoured with a Q.C. designation in 1984. During the course of his career, including his time as the senior litigation partner and managing partner of the firm, he was known as a strong mentor to his junior colleagues.

Frank met his wife, Ann Casey (nee Hart) in Toronto in 1956 upon immigrating to Canada. They married in 1958 and settled in Calgary in 1960 where they raised their three children. Frank fully embraced the Canadian way of life and enjoyed many sports including his weekly golf games with Ann and friends. He was a long-time member of the Calgary Golf and Country Club most recently becoming Member Emeritus as well as a member of the Glencoe Club and the Ranchman’s Club.

Frank approached his retirement with gusto. He traveled, collected movies and music, learned to cook and use a computer (and type!) and he began to write. He was regularly published in the Letters to the Editor sections of newspapers in Canada and Ireland as he responded to topical issues of the day. Frank was known to often rock the boat, and those who knew him well, could usually spot the twinkle in his eye. To the very end, Frank’s exuberant fun-loving personality remained, and though his death is an enormous loss to his family, his life will be joyfully celebrated and fondly remembered.

Frank is survived by his devoted children Charles Casey and Margaret Casey, both of Calgary, and Theresa Casey (Rob Gray) of Toronto; his sister Joan (late Loy) Regan, his sister Ruth Casey (Michael), his brothers Jimmy (Maeve) Casey and Joseph (Gaye) Casey, brother-in-law Tom Maher, sister-in-law Elizabeth Hart as well as numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces throughout Canada, the United States and Ireland. Frank was predeceased by his parents; his brother William (Betty); his sisters Helen (late David) and Teresa (Tom) Maher.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all those who have been very supportive of Frank and his Calgary family, especially during his final illness. We especially would like to thank all extraordinary careworkers at The Southwood Hospice.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the Calgary Golf and Country Club (5900 Elbow Drive S.W.). Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

http://www.mhfh.com/casey-j-c-frank/