President's Perspective - winter 2011-12

Ann MacKenzie, OFNC president

Frank Pope - the departure of an icon

Frank Pope is stepping down from Council. The Annual Business Meeting in January is his last official function as an officer of the Club. For many members and certainly for those of us involved in the management of the Club it seems hard to believe. Frank was 'always there' and 'always knew' whatever it was we needed to know. We are witnessing the end of an era for the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

To say that Frank is resigning as Treasurer and Business Manager is a major understatement. As Gilbert and Sullivan would say, he has been the major Pooh-Bah or, in a more dignified manner, the eminence grise, for so many years we can't remember. He has been the glue that kept the Club running through good times and bad. While others may have flitted in and out of roles, Frank was the unfaltering stalwart, always at the helm, looking out for the good of the club and keeping us off the rocky shores. He was the gatekeeper who kept us on the right path - even in keeping with our constitution!!

Frank joined the club in 1967 and became a Life Member in 1987. He has held many positions during his years with the club. He joined Council in 1979 and in 1980 he became corresponding secretary, switching to recording secretary from 1981 until 1983. He held the position of President for two years (1984 - 1985) and again for a period of four years (1992 to 1995). He is the longest serving President in OFNC history and the only individual to serve in that position over two separate terms. He has been Treasurer since 1999 because the club could not find a candidate. Similarly he assumed part of the Business Manager role when Bill Cody had to step down. His considerable contribution to the Club was recognized in 2000 when Frank Pope was made a Honourary Member.

A major accomplishment during Frank's tenure as President was the Club purchasing conservation land in the Provincially Significant Alfred Bog east of Ottawa in 1982. It was his effective leadership that mobilized considerable financial and material contributions from numerous individual members. As a result of his efforts and the critical involvement of the Nature Conservancy of Canada the entire wetland was saved.

In addition to all these official roles Frank was a member of many committees. His keen interest in all aspects of the club kept him busy. It also meant that he amassed a huge corporate knowledge which we have depended on many a time. His many connections in the naturalists' community have smoothed the way for us over the years. He became the image of the club reflecting our professionalism and long-term commitment.

His wife, Doreen, while not a naturalist like Frank, supported him in his passion for the Club. To her, as well, we owe a big debt of gratitude.

And now we have to forge ahead without him at the table. I expect the emails to still be flying and the phone ringing asking Frank about this and that. In his usual patient, helpful way I am sure he will answer our questions and suggest an approach. He will attend the monthly meetings, remain on the Publications Committee and attend some of the outings. But it will not be the same.

We can no longer relax in the confidence that Frank will pick up any pieces that we let fall through the cracks. We are going to have to check the constitution and by-laws ourselves before going out on a limb. We will have to look up what we have done and positions we have taken in the past without our corporate memory and conscience in attendance. Contacts in key organizations will need to be developed and maintained by all club members.

While this article is titled the "President's Perspective", I know that my views of what Frank has done for the Club are widely shared.

We all, Council members and general club members, owe a huge debt of gratitude to Frank Pope.

A VERY BIG THANK YOU, FRANK