Frank Foran, K.C.

We’re sad to announce that on Monday, February 3, 2025, Frank Foran, K.C., passed away at the age of 76 after a long and difficult battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Frank had a big and busy life, full of love, laughter and hard work. Born in Winnipeg on August 24, 1948, he was the fifth of six children and grew up in a proud, working-class Irish Catholic family. In 1963, he moved to Calgary with his parents and younger brother and attended St. Mary’s High School before receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of Calgary. He then studied law at the University of Alberta.

Starting as a young lawyer at Howard Mackie and ending as senior counsel at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Frank had a legal career that spanned a half-century. He was preeminent counsel in many areas, including commercial litigation, arbitration and complex regulatory matters. He had a thriving Court of Appeal practice, was a sought-after arbitrator on complex commercial matters and sat on NAFTA dispute panels. Consistently recognized in all leading legal ranking publications, he was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and had an immense impact on the next generation of lawyers.

While law was Frank’s vocation, when it came time for fun, he knew what to do: he loved to travel with his wife and family; he was an ardent sports fan and voracious reader of spy thrillers (and heavier stuff); he adored music and had an encyclopedic knowledge of lyrics; he was frustratingly good at trivia and deeply fond of rocking chairs; he cherished spending time with his wife and family at our place in the Windermere Valley; and he loved to laugh—when he’d tell a joke, he’d start laughing long before delivering the punchline.

Frank was also devoted to his faith and his family. He is predeceased by his mom and dad, Frank and Margaret Foran, his sister Lynne, and brothers Jim and Ken. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Pat Foran (nee McAllister); his kids Mike (Christine), Jill and Tim (Jessica); his grandkids Claire and James; his sister Joan and brother Ron (Myrna); a gaggle of McAllister and Foran in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and so many dear friends.

Frank is no longer suffering, and for that we’re grateful. But the void left by his absence will be felt by all who knew and loved him. We want to thank the incredible staff at Cambridge Manor, where Frank spent the last two and a half years.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke's Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Dr NW) on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. For those unable to attend in person, a recording will be available below.

A Celebration of Life at Bearspaw Golf Club (61 Hamilton Dr, Calgary) will follow at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Donate | Advanced Care Team for Parkinson's | Hotchkiss Brain Institute | University of Calgary or The Brenda Strafford Foundation | Aging Care & Senior Living Donation Form.

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