TO BE FRANK

On Saturday I had the fascinating experience to spend most of the day with legendary Calgarian Frank Sisson. First at his offices, then his regular spot for lunch (The Carriage House) then to his 9 acre ranch in south Calgary. One doesn’t need a reason or excuse to spend quality time with a long standing friend, however, the timely visit was for me to dig deeper into Frank’s extraordinary life and help inspire a portrait I’m painting for the cover of his upcoming book, scheduled to go to press in February (rumour has it, Im in it). 

Generally Im interested in everyone (we all have a “book in us”), however, Im particularly drawn to unique individuals like Frank who lead an eclectic life, full of risk, reward, success and failure, however, most importantly, life stories and legend with the generosity to share it. 

Respectfully, "Frank’s world” if full of clutter, chaos, collections, clippings and countless visual records of his fascinating past (fortunately he’s always been mindful of the importance of keeping this stuff). From autographed photos with movie stars, US Presidents, world class athletes (Ali!) the entire Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (who he hired to play his former Silver Dollar Casino) - to piles (and boxes) of newspaper clippings of his bowling success and “escapades" from all over the world. I insisted all of these treasures should be catalogued, properly mounted and showcased in a custom "Frank Sisson Museum" (he's thinking about it). In addition to offering my help with this proposed project, I confirmed that attendance line ups would wrap a few city blocks!

A couple of Google searched include articles: https://www.calgaryboosterclub.com/…/sportsman…/frank-sisson and https://calgaryherald.com/…/corbella-sisson-wont-let-near-d…

There was another “Chariman of the Board” you didn't mess with named Frank (Sinatra) so I made sure I received Frank's okay to share this post.