Born in what was then Rhodesia, Frank’s family moved to South Africa and the mining community of the East Rand before ultimately settling in Pretoria.
He was articled at Craggs, Kossuth & Ochse (ultimately merged with Ernst & Young) and qualified as a CA in 1967, having married Val Codd (a fellow clerk) a couple of years earlier. He had completed his military training in 1962 and was seconded to the Pretoria Highlanders as a 2nd Lieutenant.
After gaining commercial experience for a few years, Frank bought the furniture manufacturing business of Gordon Fraser (Pty) Ltd.
Frank grew the business from one employing 10 members of staff to a complement in excess of 100, earning himself a reputation for fair and honest dealing along the way – both from his employees and customers. He served on a number of industry committees, chairing both the Furniture Manufacturer’s Association and the Furniture Industry Bargaining Council. In addition, at one time or another, he was also chair of Inanda Club and Inanda Country Base where he indulged in one of his pastimes, equestrian sport. He also was a keen bowler in more recent years, having participated in road-running, tennis, squash and a range of other sports and activities which took his interest. His great passion was the African Bushveld where he and his family spent many happy, fun-filled hours.
In 2005 Frank was diagnosed with lung cancer which he fought with typical fortitude and grace, having been given but 9 months to live by one physician. He will be sorely missed by Val, his son David and his dear family and legion of good friends.
Geoff Ossip
1 September 2010
