Frank Boussen
Francis (Frank) Alphonse Boussen passed away at his residence in Aylmer, Ontario on Friday, July 3, 2026, in his 102nd year.
Born September 12, 1924, in Waterlandkerkje, Zeeland, The Netherlands, son of the late Alois and Magdalena (Gruson) Boussen. Frank emigrated as an infant with his family to Canada in August 1926.
Beloved husband for seventy-seven years of the late Alice Eugenia (Martens) Boussen (June 2024).
Dear brother to Mary Cole, Elsie Dale and Nancy (Joe) Welt.
Loving father to Carole Wisch (Gerry), Patricia Wray (Michael Andrews), and Frank Boussen (Mary Lou Greenwood). Proud Grandpa of Jim Nevill (Maryann), Jerry Nevill (Vicki), Dana Sinclair (Duncan), Curtis Wray (Susie), Danielle Boussen-Hebden and Angela Patterson (Doug). Sadly missed by his great-grandchildren Trey Nevill, Kaitlin Ouellette (Jacob) and Jacob Nevill; Jacob, Logan and Olivia Wray; Coll Sinclair; Gwen and Zac Hebden; Wren and Nathan Patterson and his great-great-grandchildren, Felix, Xavier and Ellie Ouellette.
Frank spent his early years working the land, including 10 years (1946–1956) as a tobacco share grower in Princeton, followed by 4 years as a cash crop farmer in Wardsville (1956–1959). Those formative years on the farm shaped a lifelong respect and interest in traditional farming practices, including yokes, old plows, and Belgian horses; skills and experiences he began at just 13 years old.
Frank dedicated over six decades of his life to serving the public in the hospitality industry. He began in 1960 at the Wardsville Hotel, later working at the Aylmer Hotel, the Columbus Club, and the OPC student lounge. Known for his steady presence and commitment to his work, he served generations of patrons before retiring in 1989.
A long-time and well-known resident of Aylmer, Frank was a member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Aylmer Council 4189, a long-time member of the Optimist Club and he served one term as Councilor for the Town. Frank and his wife Alice were active members of the Aylmer Lawn Bowling Club, and he was a dedicated fan of the Aylmer Blues and Spitfires. He was also a big Toronto Blue Jays fan, even attending a game with his grandson and great-grandson at the age of 90. Frank was a strong supporter of his community and was notorious for wielding a plethora of tickets, wherever he went, for draws and events not only for his own clubs, but for all manner of community organizations.
The funeral service will be held at the H.A. Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11am. Cremation-burial: Queen of Peace Cemetery.
Donations in Frank’s memory would be gratefully appreciated by the family and may be made to St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners. Share memories or condolences at kebbelfuneralhome.com