Frank Leroy Conlin's Obituary
Frank Leroy Conlin Born July 1st 1937 returned to his Father in heaven April 1st 2015 after suffering from health related complications resulting from a broken leg and Leukemia. Frank's legacy will be remembered by all whose lives he touched with his selfless service as a social worker, scout leader, a disciple of Christ, and a true friend. Frank sacrificed much in this life so that he could dedicate himself to helping others. We are grateful for his unwavering faith and his example as we remember this great man of God. A viewing in Frank's honor will be held Saturday the 18th of April at 10 am followed by a memorial at 11 am. Location of services: Peachwood LDS meeting house 3963 South Peachwood Drive (3480 West) West Valley, Utah 84119.
Frank was born in Taber Alberta Canada to Thomas Henry Conlin and Katie Johnson. As a young boy Frank lost his father. Frank’s caring nature lead him to take on the role of a provider to help support his mother and siblings. He delivered newspapers and made sacrifices for his family. He even sold many of his personal possessions so that he could contribute to the needs of his family. He learned firsthand the difficulties a family faces during times of crisis. This experience influenced him and prepared him for the roles he would later play as a social worker and counselor in the community.
Frank was a teacher and loved to tell stories. He would often share lessons he learned from growing up in Canada, serving a mission in South Africa, graduating from BYU, working with the Native American youth, and serving in various church callings chiefly as scout master.
Growing up in Canada, Frank learned the value of friendship. Frank’s childhood in Canada was like that of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. He enjoyed his summer days seeking out adventures and staying up late into the night with his friends. On one occasion while Frank was standing on the river bank with a group of friends, some of them decided to light some cigarettes. Frank stood and spoke with conviction telling his friends they were not going to smoke that day. His friends saw how serious he was and quickly changed their minds. Nobody smoked that day but his friends gave him the nick name of “Bishop” from that time on. Frank had two best friends known as Jim and Harvey. The three of them loved the outdoors and got into all sorts of mischief exploring the general territory. They camped, they hiked, and they swam in their birthday suits when they needed to cool off on a hot summer’s day. They become known in the local community as the “Three Musketeers.” They remained close friends keeping contact with one another throughout their entire lives.
Nobody ever expected Frank would go on a mission. Maybe they thought he couldn’t afford it since his family had no money. However, Frank knew he was going to serve the Lord as a missionary. One day, he walked into his bishop’s office and threw a bag full of money onto his desk and said “I’m going on a mission and here’s the money.” He had worked hard and saved up so that he could serve and preach the good word. Soon after this Frank was called to serve in the Johannesburg South African mission. Frank always spoke of his love for Africa and the spiritual experiences he had there. It was difficult for him to come home and he shed tears when he had to say good bye. Frank honorably completed his mission in February 1960, even though he would have been happy to stay there for another year or two if it had been required. He often wished to return to Africa but he was unable to make it back there.
Shortly after returning home to Canada, Frank became restless. He was working in the local cannery and decided he was destined for more, so he applied for acceptance at BYU. He was accepted and didn’t waste time. He packed his things and moved to Utah. While a student, Frank had to support himself, he worked to earn money so he could pay his way through college. Between school studies, working to earn money, and serving as Elder’s Quorum President, he found very little time for a social life. Still, being the gregarious person that he was, Frank had many meaningful experiences with dorm mates and he was able to make lasting friendships. Of course he became a huge fan of BYU football and he enjoyed watching his bishop LaVell Edwards coach the team.
After graduating from BYU with a degree in clinical psychology he moved to New Mexico where he was a counselor and a teacher at the local high school. He was able to meet and work with many Native Americans on the reservations. He enjoyed learning the local history and legends of the southwest. Frank discovered author Tony Hillerman and enjoyed reading his murder mystery novels set about the region.
Following his time in New Mexico, Frank moved back to Utah and obtained his license as a clinical social worker. He worked with the elderly as a case manager. He also worked with many charitable organizations to help families in crisis with hunger and other social problems. One of Franks greatest joys was serving as a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America as the Scout Master in his ward for over 20 years. During his time as a Scout Master Frank received several awards of achievement in producing an exceptionally high percentage of Eagle Scouts.
Frank became more than just a Scout Master to the young men. He believed he was called by God to lead the youth and he took that calling very seriously. During his time as Scout Master he adopted several young men as “his boys” and they adopted him as a mentor and a father figure. Many boys didn’t have a father at home so he was the only father or dad they ever had. He kept tract of “his boys” beyond scouting. Besides teaching “his boys” about the great outdoors he taught many other priceless life lessons. He encouraged them to go on missions, to get a college education, and to reach their full potential. He taught them about trust and commitment. Maybe he put too much trust in his boys as he was often known to lend his Z-28 Camaro to the young men on special occasion. During one of the many campouts, a scout got too close to the deep end of the river and began to drown. Without a second to spare, Frank jumped into the water fully clothed risking his own life to save the boy. Once you became one of “Frank’s boys” you knew he cared about you for life. You knew he would never give up on you. He would always be there, whether you wanted him to be or not. “His boys” are better fathers today thanks to his example. Frank will be missed by all “his boys”.
Tragically Frank was always missing the boat when it came to finding a wife. He dated several women but it seems the stars were never in alignment for marriage. He often talked about his dating experiences, how he might have married this or that girl like Harriet, or Suzie, or Layla and so on. However none of them worked out. Either he never found his true love, or the timing just wasn’t right. Probably the closest Frank ever came to having a companion was his most loyal friend Chopper, a Doberman Pinscher who loved Frank more than anyone ever did. When Frank suffering from the devastating loss of his carpet business and house, he felt comforted by Chopper’s presence at the foot of his bed, years after the dog had passed on.
Though he didn’t dress the part, he acted the part. Frank may have been caught on occasion at church during Sunday meetings wearing a golf shirt, sweat pants, and or tennis shoes. Typical of Frank, this was a way for him to rebel against the status quote. He was a catalyst and an agitator at times when people became complacent or comfortable. He liked to shake things up a bit. He was talented at getting people to take action and motivating them to keep moving in the right direction even if that meant taking them out of their comfort zones in order to help them progress. Like his name suggests, he was frank and honest in all his dealings with people.
He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ as the savior of the world. All who knew Frank had no doubt about his conviction and faith in Christ. He often shared his testimony and his love for the savior on a very personal level. Franks actions of charity and service throughout his entire life are a testimony of his true discipleship of Christ. Frank was undoubtedly a latter day saint in the most literal sense.
When we remember Frank, we are reminded whom he was and what he stood for, which is to say he stood for the love of God and what it means to follow the Savior. Frank gave his life in the service of all around him. He was even willing to risk his own life to save a drowning scout. In so doing, he did what Christ was willing to do, lay down his own life for those he loved. The scripture says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” As we lay Frank to rest, may we remember that he, like the Savior, has laid down his life for all of us who knew him.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Peachwood LDS Chapel, 3963 South Peachwood Dr. (3480 West), Salt Lake City, UT with a viewing prior to services from 9:45 to 10:45 am.
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frank?
Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
How did Frank make you smile?