In Memoriam

ADS member in Nashville, Susan Basham, has communicated that Dick Frank died yesterday afternoon. Arrangements have not yet been formalized.

I am SO very glad that Sandra and Dick came to the show at the recent convention and that I had the opportunity to speak with Dick. I was able to get some “belly laughs” out of him and I saw that twinkle in his blue eyes. Few in ADS will ever be able to appreciate all the wise counsel he provided pro bono over many, many years. While I served as ADS President and Executive Director, I often needed Dick’s guidance. Dick was a most deserving ADS Silver Medal recipient.

One of his last contributions was his input and enthusiastic support for an ADS Bylaws amendment which was a statement of non discrimination. Prior to that, Dick updated the Bylaws many years back. Whenever you see the ADS Bylaws terminology, “as the Board of the Society may by resolution provide”—thank Dick Frank for those kernels of wisdom. I sorta’ grew up in ADS under the guidance and tutelage of many ADS greats. Dick was one of those mentors. I was the same age of his daughter. He always called me “Tiger”. I hope to continue to be worthy of that moniker.

When I saw Dick in his wheelchair at the show in Franklin, TN, Dick immediately recognized me. Sandra said, “Do you remember who this is?” I was delighted for HIM when he responded, “That’s Tiger.” Gotta’ love Dick Frank. His inactivity in recent years due to aging and health created a void for ADS. His experience and counsel were absent. Condolences and comfort are expressed to his family as they face this very sad time.

Peace,
Jaydee Atkins Ager
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4 comments for “In Memoriam

  1. I’d like to add to what Jaydee said about Dick Frank.  He was my sponsor on two of my student judging assignments at the Georgia Daffodil Society many years ago.  When I would show up at the Georgia Daffodil Society Dick was one of the first ones that would greet me and slap me on the back so hard I thought I was back playing football again as it would almost take my breath away. Dick taught me to be an excellent daffodil judge.  I learned so much from him as he explained every decision made, and was very active in correcting exhibits that were miss-classified on the show bench.  He taught me that it was all about the best daffodil that should win. Every place I met him he always remembered me and greeted me with enthusiasm.  I considered him a friend over the years, even when we didn’t have a lot of contact.  He was always willing to help.  I will miss Dick.

     

    Clay

    clay

  2. I am so sorry to learn that Dick has passed away. I regarded him as a great friend..I had the good fortune to spend many days in his company – at Conventions and in his home.

    Indeed he was the appointed lawyer for Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur, a company that had me spending time in the USA. He had a wonderful sense of humour, time spent with him was never dull, laughter was inevitable. We even shared pipe tobacco – that must have been a long time ago as I have not smoked for more than 30 years. I first met Dick in Philadelphia in 1976 – probably at the Tennessee gals party at which Tiger Jaydee also made a first and memorable ADS appearance.

    So sad, but full of wonderful memories. Sincere condolences to Sandra and I trust she will be sustained by many happy memories of their years together.

    Brian Duncan

  3. Jaydee has written a beautiful tribute to Dick, and there’s not much I can add.  He was an active member of the Middle Tennessee Daffodil Society.  When we moved to Franklin in 1978, he became a friend, and often hosted the Society members in his home.  I’m so glad Sandra brought him to the recent convention.  It was good to see him; and from the smile on his face, it was clear that he was enjoying it as well.  Condolences and comfort to Sandra and his family.

    Mary Lou

     

  4. Richard “Dick” H. Frank, Jr. died on May 31, which was also his 90th birthday.

    The memorial service for Dick will be Thursday, June 7 at 2:00 p.m. at St Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 4800 Belmont Park Terrace, Nashville TN  37215. Visitation will be before the service from noon until the service. Wednesday, June 6, there will be visitation 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. also at the church.

    In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to:
    Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Educational Programs
    222 5th Ave South
    Nashville, Tn 37203
    Or online at
    http://www.countrymusichalloffame.org

    Dick Frank was awarded the Silver Medal for outstanding service to the American Daffodil Society in 1990 as a leading member of MTDS for many years, exhibiting, judging and serving as a judging instructor. Dick was president of MTDS from 1984-1986 and again from 1998-2000. He was co-chairman of the ADS convention in Nashville in 1993, the ADS Legal Counsel for more than 30 years and recently the ADS Legal Counsel Emeritus.  Dick’s wonderful humor and his presence will be greatly missed.

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