We have been deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Cy Frank’s untimely passing this morning. Orthopaedic surgery has truly lost one of its giants. Not only did Dr. Frank epitomize the orthopaedic research scientist, but he was also tireless in his efforts to improve access to care for Canadian patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Frank had been a long-time director of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation, Canada’s only orthopaedic charity, and he chaired its Governance and Nominating Committee. His orthopaedic legacy was limitless, having fulfilled leadership roles in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery in Calgary, in the Province of Alberta, nationally in the Canadian Orthopaedic Association and in the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, to name but a sampling of his many talents.

He was an orthopaedic hero amongst his orthopaedic family, both in Canada and internationally. Recently his lifelong passion for his work and accomplishments were recognized nationally beyond his orthopaedic friends and colleagues by the announcement that he was to be a recipient of the Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest civilian orders, recognizing a lifetime of distinguished contribution to advancing orthopaedic health care services in Alberta and for his scientific contributions to bone and joint repair research. His role in the Canadian health-care sector has benefited people from coast-to-coast and will have longstanding impact for generations to come. Dr. Cy Frank was one of the leading figures in the field of bone and joint injury both nationally and internationally and was recently appointed the CEO of Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions.

In his modest manner Dr. Frank responded to the announcement of his Order of Canada, saying “I am humbled by this gracious honour. This tribute further reinforces the importance of bone and joint health in the country, the impact it has on Canadians and the significance orthopaedics plays within the health-care system. I am inspired by what the future holds for orthopaedics and how innovation can continue to progress and evolve to better serve the citizens of this great country”.

Dr. Frank was an extraordinary orthopaedic surgeon. He was a champion. He will be sorely missed.

The Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation extends its deepest sympathy to Helene Levesque and the rest of Dr. Frank’s family.