Monthly Archive for April, 2009

Dad’s obituary will run in the local papers this week. It’s almost three weeks since his death, but actually composing the obit was understandably very difficult for my mom – how does one summarize an incredible man and an incredible life in just one page? It seems almost absurd to try to do so. However, I think my mom did an extraordinary job, helped by family and friends who added their own antecdotes and observations of him. Please find the obituary copied below. Those of you lucky enough to have spent time with Frank Bolton will see that while this is a beautiful summary of a life well lived, it really only scratches the surface.

I would also just like to thank everyone for an overwhelming display of love and support. We have received such touching words of comfort, heartfelt prayers, beautiful flowers, and enough delicious food to feed a small army. We know that our grief is your grief, and you have given us so much comfort in our time of sorrow. Thank you.

<3 J

Francis “Frank” James Bolton

FRANCIS (FRANK) JAMES BOLTON passed away March 27, 2009, due to cardiac arrest at his home in West Norwalk, CT. Born in Pulloxhill, Bedfordshire, England on June 1, 1934, Frank was the son of the late James Thomas and Ethel Cooper Bolton.  His early childhood was spent in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, where he attended primary school. Even in his later years, he always retained immense affection for the Wiltshire rural life and its people.  Educated later at Eastbourne Grammar School in Sussex, he joined British Overseas Airways Corporation in 1956 first as a steward and later as purser.  During the next ten years in service to BOAC, he fulfilled his early dreams of flying to distant places in an age when international airline travel meant luxury and service.  He had a wealth of adventurous stories from those days; close encounters with foes and disasters of every sort as well as survival tales of evacuations from British colonial outposts during times of civil unrest.

Frank moved next to management and executive roles at British Eagle International Airlines, NAS Airport Services and finally as managing director at Dobbs International at London Heathrow Airport with marketing and sales responsibilities spread over Europe and Africa.   After being adviser to the Chairman of Yemen Airways in Sana’a, Frank moved to Saudi Arabia in 1977 where he became sales manager for the partnership of Algosaibi Grandmet, first in Jeddah and then in Damman.  Although desert life was the perfect environment for Frank, he was persuaded in 1980 to accept the position of executive vice president for Grandmet International Services in Houston, TX and later in Denver, CO with sales and development responsibilities stretching from Alaska to Trinidad, Colombia and Venezuela.

After a brief time in Kingston, NH, the family moved to West Norwalk in 1987 when Frank was offered the presidency of Trust House Forte Airport Services (later Alpha Flight Services) at JFK Airport in New York where he remained until his retirement in 1998.  Pursuing new ventures, he then became the proprietor of Rowayton’s 101 Delicatessen for three years after which he delivered medications for Grieb’s Darien Pharmacy.

As a born leader and team player, Frank had the inestimable gift for motivating staff and inspiring colleagues.  He was always highly thought of in both his personal and professional life and yet had that rare quality, the common touch, which endeared him to everyone fortunate enough to know or work with him.

Frank was British to the core and his contagious sense of humor, with his infectious cheerful laugh, were hallmarks of his personality.  A perpetual self-taught student, he was wedded to books and was at his best in conversation on travel, history and archaeology, not to mention food and culinary treats.  He was an avid NY Mets fan and a devotee of Grand Slam tennis and UConn basketball.  Small children and animals were drawn to his side by a caring and gentle demeanor, never more so than when he was seated outside his home enjoying the sunshine.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary Cairns Bolton, his son Alastair James Bolton of Reading, Berkshire, England, his daughter Helen Elizabeth Houseman of Holsworthy, Devon, England and his daughters Emily Harrison Bolton and Julia Davidson Bolton, both of Norwalk, CT, as well as his beloved granddaughter Anna Bolton of Reading, Berkshire, England.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation was private.  Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Pet Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) at 504 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.