Above / “To every thing there is a season…” and the radiant view through the windows at St. Raphael Catholic Church on a cold winter’s day opened hearts to “Frank’s Way” as family and friends celebrated the life of Frank G. Slocumb (July 9, 1945 – January 9, 2018) with songs, scripture and warm Words of Remembrance. (PN File Photo)
Frank Slocumb.
I tried and tried to find the right words to describe one of the most genuine, authentic, honest, humble, thoughtful, giving, and incredibly smart men I have ever met. I am not sure the word that describes such a man exists…
And as we have witnessed the outpouring of love and grief this week, it is obvious Frank’s impact on this community and this world will continue to benefit all of us for years to come.
Frank simply exhibited true class and grace in all he did. Whether it be at a board meeting, a community event, or just a gathering with friends, he had such a presence about him, almost a calming capable feeling that, as we remember him now, you all know exactly what I mean.
Steady and selfless, Frank had the same approach to whatever task at hand…do it right, or don’t do it at all. And boy did he do life right.
Frank grew up in Oak Park with his sisters Marguerite and Catherine, and after graduating from Loyola in 1968, Frank honorably served our country as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army, eventually earning the rank of Captain. After his service, he went to Northwestern to get his MBA and in addition to his degree, as a bonus, he met his soulmate Kay while there and their incredible story began.
For over 45 years Kay and Frank together wrote a beautiful story of love and happiness and it will continue to be written… Watching their continual love for one another was a gift that we all received and will continue to cherish and hold dear in our remembrance of Frank.
Kay and Frank moved to Naperville in 1993 along with their son, Jack, and they wasted no time getting involved in Naperville. Frank’s professional career as we know was with Harris Bank – now BMO, but it was Harris Bank of Naperville at the time and Frank was at the helm of the bank during a period of great growth for our community.
Being the President of a Bank in a town that was experiencing the explosive growth that Naperville did in the ‘90’s is a critical piece to the fabric of our history. Frank wove quite a legacy in his business and community career – and to list ALL of his involvement, awards and recognitions, we would be here ’til next Tuesday!
He held various leadership positions in The Naperville Development Partnership, The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Patrick’s Residence, Edward Hospital & Edward Foundation, The United Way, Heritage YMCA, Boy
Scouts of America, Millennium Carillon Foundation, and, of course, some service club called Rotary? You might have heard of it? Rotarians have a Four-Way Test that they say at the conclusion of each meeting….
“Is it the truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
No one, and I do mean No one, lived that every day like Frank did – they should just rename it: Frank’s Way.
Frank was honored and recognized by virtually every organization in Naperville and in the region – from the Jaycees, to Rotary, to the Chamber, to St. Patrick’s Residence, to the Education Center, United Way, even Harris Bank recognized his incredible legacy by giving him the inaugural Community Leadership Award – out of thousands of employees – they chose Frank….think about those awards, and recognitions, all well-deserved and each of those organizations and many more are better today because of Frank’s Way.
So, what was “Frank’s Way”?
Frank’s Way was to always be prepared – must be the boy scout in him – but if you ever had the honor of serving on a board, commission or committee with Frank – you know what I mean – he was always prepared to make his report, or offer his wise words of wisdom on the particular topic, and when Frank spoke, you listened.
Frank’s Way was to be a servant leader – to lead by example. Frank never asked you to support an organization or effort that he himself had not financially committed to.
Frank’s Way was to listen…respectfully to what you had to say even if he didn’t agree with you.
Frank’s Way was to seek to understand, through an incredible thirst for knowledge…the man never stopped learning and wanting to help others.
Frank’s Way was to be loyal – to his family, his friends, his causes, and especially his White Sox.
Frank’s Way was one of faith, a devout Catholic – and a Knight of Columbus who never wavered in his faith, or his commitment to God and his church.
Frank’s Way was to inspire… Inspire you to support whatever cause he was working on, inspire an organization to stretch its goals to be better, inspire you to be a better version of yourself.
Frank’s Way was to love life – and live life to the fullest. Whether traveling the world with Kay, going on golf outings with his We Bad Brethren, golfing with Jack, or cheering on his beloved White Sox – Frank did it all with gusto. And with a smile on his face. Always that smile.
Frank’s Way was to be ever so humble – always praising a team effort – even if he was the only one on the team.
Frank’s Way was to not complain. EVER. Not when he was first diagnosed, and not when he was fighting like hell – never a bad word about his fate – he just rolled up his sleeves and went to work trying to beat cancer and live a full life.
Frank’s Way was to be dependable. If he said he was going to be there – he was.
I remember late last summer we were on a conference call for the Exec Committee of the NDP and Frank was participating per usual – and while on the call I received an email saying Frank wasn’t doing well and was at Edward Hospital. I said nothing at the time, but at the conclusion of the call, I called Frank – and asked him if he was indeed in the hospital. Sheepishly, he said, “Yes.”
He didn’t want to detract from the work of the group by letting on he was calling from his hospital bed. Typical Frank. Not typical for the rest of us.
Frank’s Way was to enjoy every day – music, sports, friends, wine, more friends, more wine…. he loved informal gatherings for no reason other than to appreciate time together.
Frank’s Way was about family, always hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas and all types of celebrations in their loving home where all were welcome.
Frank’s Way was to love Kay with all of his being and make marriage look effortless – which really makes it tough for the rest of us mortals.
Frank’s Way was to show Jack to the values of hard work, consistent effort and determination, and above all be ethical in all you do. Jack, please know how proud your dad (and your mom) are of you – I had many conversations over the years with Frank – something about the fact that I too was a “pain in the ass,” 18-year-old to my dad– but boy is he proud of the man you have become…. we all are.
Frank’s Way was and is something we should all aspire to instill in ourselves – be better tomorrow than you are today. Be better next week than you are this week…. always continue to learn, love, and seek out to help those in need.
Frank did.
If we could all just be a little more like Frank every day…. what a world we might be able to create.
So, let’s all try to be more like Frank.
We are all better for having known such a man.
—Ray Kinney, January 17, 2018
