It is with deep regret that I must inform you our good friend Frank Manning passed away on 8th January 2023 at 9:40 a.m. after going into a coma the day before. Frank’s daughter Wendy was with him when he died and his wife, Trudy, was waiting for COVID clearance so missed being with him by 4 minutes.
Frank joined Toronto Triumph Club in 1995 and was a very active member over the years taking on Historian, Advertising and Sponsorship roles to promote the club and British Car Day. His storytelling and recollection of all things related to British cars was legendary. Frank was involved with Triumph cars from an early age and worked for Sports Cars Unlimited on Lakeshore Road in Mississauga where he sold many a Triumph. Frank also was in sales with Castrol Oil (Wakefield Canada) for many years and in his spare time was heavily involved in the Canadian music scene with musical artists such as Lighthouse and King Biscuit Boy.
His beautiful BRG TR4 was the anniversary car at British Car Day in 2011, celebrating 50 years, and won many best-in-class awards over the years at BCD and club events. In 2017 Frank was presented with the prestigious Charlie Conquergood Award by Wayne McGill and Sandy McCrea (Charlie’s wife), for long-term dedication to Toronto Triumph Club, a well-deserved award for a long-standing club member and British autophile.
Frank retired from Crescent Oil in February 2018 and many of us joined in the celebration at The Power House in Stoney Creek. Frank had been unwell for some time so we hadn’t seen him recently at club events. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and I will always think of him as I see a BRG TR4 zooming by. In accordance with Frank’s wishes there will be a private memorial service for family, then, in the spring, a celebration of life for family and friends.
Dave Sims, President Toronto Triumph Club