I first met Frank over 35 years ago--in early March of 1974 I think--at the AMC White Water Canoe trials at an upstream section on the Charles River. In those days, in order to get into the instruction program you had to "try out" to see if you were good enough to become a student! After a brief opportunity to get acclimated in a canoe on the water I was paired up with an instructor--Frank--who was to run me though some exercises and evaluate my performance. We did some straight-ahead, a few turns, and then did a figure eight around a pair of buoys. Frank, smiling as always, was constantly egging me on and pushing to try harder. Finally, he stopped us and explained that to do a good draw stroke I needed to lean waaayyyy out and draw the paddle straight in toward me--pulling me to the paddle if you will. After he did a quick demo, we started up again and abeam a buoy he shouted "OK, Ron--Draw!". So I did. I leaned so far out that I promptly fell right out of the boat and into the water--leaving Frank and the boat both upright and dry. Many hands and boats quickly "rescued" me, getting me quickly to shore were I was able to change into dry clothes (the organizers knew about people like me and had told us wannabees to bring a change of clothes). As I calmed down and warmed up, I figured that was the end of that. I couldn't think of a more spectacular way to fail than to end up swimming! Later, however, Frank came over to give me the news--I was in! He explained I had shown I was able to follow instructions and tryout new things, so he figured I was highly trainable--just what they wanted in a student... Frank was also instrumental in helping my then almost-fiancee Margaret into the White Water Club as well. She tagged along with me on weekend trips and would bum rides with anyone qualified and willing to take her. Frank paddled with her several times--always smiling and eager to work in a little private instruction along the way. This may not seem like a big deal but it was--there were few women in the Club in those days and many of the men didn't think there should be any. But Frank was always eager to help and encourage anyone wanting to learn and have fun, regardless of gender or skill level. Margaret and I married and paddled together in the Boston Canoe Club for many years. We were often on trips led by Frank and later, he came on trips led by us. He was always a delight to paddle and camp with--friendly, helpful, supportive, full of good stories and... smiling.