Item PH26778 - Frank Tunney: that kind of guy

Newspaper Article

"Frank Tunney Jr., recreation director of the Bradford
Community Centre, died last Thursday of cancer, He was 38. Mr. Tunney leaves his wife Cathy and five children, Michael, 9, Anne, 8, Bridget, 6, Marty, 5, Tricia, 3. Funeral service was held Saturday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in Toronto. Mr. Tunney, the son of wrestling promoter Frank Tunney Sr., took over as manager of the Bradford arena in May of 1973. Before that, he was an instrument technician for Orenda Engines in Malton and a member of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Department. He continued working at the community centre up to one week before finally losing his battle with the disease. Long-time family friend Sandy Hudson said, "He had that characteristic that he would not let this get him without a fight." Under his direction, the Bradford Community Centre became one of the finest and most smoothly run buildings in the area. "He was the backbone of this place," said Don Harrison, assistant manager of the arena. "Frank was the kind of guy who would help anyone who needed it." Last year Mr. Tunney also took on the position of Recreation Co-ordinator, a job he tackled with his customary enthusiasm. During the summer months, he managed the Bradford Lions Pool. An active member of the Bradford Rotary Club, Mr. Tunney was a "very involved member," according to club president Bas Visser. "He had a lot of hope and energy. You really had to admire him." Mr. Tunney was also a sports enthusiast. He coached the Allenby Electric novice hockey team, and formerly wrote a weekly curling column in The Witness. Last year he donned his skates to play for the Bradford Oldtimers hockey team. Saturday during the service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the church was jammed with family, friends, sports and television personalities."

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