I am posting this with permission of Mark Cranford.
Dear Birders, It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Frank Butson aka Big Frank. Big Frank was a wonderful man with a great passion for birds & especially birds of prey. For many years Frank was a integral volunteer with the Canadian Peregrine Foundation and he also founded the Rosetta McClain Gardens Hawkwatch in Scarborough. At the CPF, Frank spent many long hours in the field each spring/summer at fledge watches around the city. This resulted in the saving of many a young Peregrine Falcons life. He was also a representative at many of the CPF shows. You may have met him at the Sportsman Show in Toronto or Ottawa. Starting in late summer, Frank's attention turned to the fall raptor migration at Rosetta McClain Gardens. You could find Frank almost every day between mid-August till late November standing at the fence along the bluffs with his good friend Walter Fisher counting the migrating raptors. This is where many of us met Frank. Frank was always friendly and welcoming to anyone who happened to walk by the Hawkwatch. He was also very knowledgable about the birds of prey and happily willing to share that knowledge. This is what made Frank so special. He was instrumental in creating a community of new birders, new friends and new conservationists that continues to grow. Frank will be deeply missed by his many friends. R.I.P. Big Frank! Frank's Memorial is to be held at Giffen Mack Funeral Home on June 1, 2013. Visitation is from 10-11 am Funeral Service 11-12 pm For more information on Frank's service and to sign Frank's Memorial Guestbook please visit this link: http://alturl.com/r3wwa Murray Shields Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
