Frank Morrison Wootton

Frank Morrison Wootton: A Life of Love, Laughter, and Adventure

Frank Morrison Wootton lived a life filled with laughter, caring, and a deep love for family, friends, and community. His impact on those who knew him will be celebrated for generations to come.

On Friday, January 17, 2025, Frank passed away peacefully at the age of 87, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories.

Frank was married to the love of his life, Janet (Jones) Wootton, and together they shared 63 wonderful years of love, partnership, and adventure. He was a proud and devoted father to Michael (Trina), Jennifer and Jason. Nothing made Frank happier than spending time with his beloved grandchildren Heikkila, Grace, Faith, Mary, Avery and Andrew who adored their fun-loving and ever-supportive Grandad. Frank also leaves behind his beloved brother John and sister-in-law Jean.

Frank’s heart was always at Baptiste Lake, his favorite place on earth. For over 75 years, he swam, boated, and made lifelong memories there with family and friends. Whether he was taking the family for boat rides, pulling skiers and tubers across the water, sitting on the dock with Janet, or on his pontoon boat, Frank was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved. Summers and winters alike, Baptiste was a place of laughter, bonfires, and lifelong relationships with many families and friends.

Born in Bowmanville to (Rev.) Alfred Morrison Wootton and Lillian Grace (Simmons) Wootton, Frank grew up in Tyrone and in the many other communities where his father served as a United Church minister. He went on to graduate from Queen’s University, where he played goalie for the Golden Gaels hockey team. It was during his time in Kingston that Frank met Janet. They married in Sharbot Lake in 1961, and Frank embraced his new, ever-growing Jones family with open arms: his in-laws Edith and Edmond Jones and Janet’s brothers and sisters Lloyd (Barb), Thelma Milligan (Ken), Fran Willis (John), Beverly Wray, Betty Barker (Blaine), Debbie Jones, and Blake (Chris).

Frank dedicated his career to shaping young minds as a teacher and later as a vice principal and principal at several schools, including Opeongo High School (where he was affectionately known as “The Bear”), Renfrew Collegiate Institute, Arnprior District High School, and the Alternative Schools in Renfrew County. Known for being “firm but fair”, he was deeply committed to his students, guiding them with wisdom and compassion, working to keep them on the “straight and narrow.” Frank cherished the many teachers and administrators with whom he worked. They were important to him and he counted many among his dearest friends.

At his core, Frank was a family-first kind of guy.  He could always be counted on in good times and bad, was steadfast, trustworthy, endlessly kind and led with his heart. As his great-niece Katie Wootton Jr. beautifully put it, he was “the hardest rock and the warmest teddy bear ever.” He loved deeply, was deeply loved in return, cared for others, and had a whole lot of fun along the way.

Until Alzheimer’s gradually took his memory in recent years, Frank continued to embrace life in retirement with his signature warmth and spirit, traveling with Janet, family, and friends whenever he could.

Frank’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Nishikawa and the staff at Hospice Peterborough for their exceptional palliative care and kindness in his final days.

A Celebration of Life

Frank’s life will be celebrated at Baptiste Lake in July, and all family and friends are welcome to join. More details will be shared by the family in the coming months.

Honoring Frank’s Memory

For those who wish to honor Frank, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Peterborough (https://alzheimer.ca/pklnh/en), your local Alzheimer’s Society (www.alzheimer.ca) or Hospice Peterborough (www.hospicepeterborough.org) would be a meaningful tribute to his life and legacy.