David Frank’s Passing: A Message from the Headmaster

A message from Headmaster BrennanDear Friends:

I am sorry to share the sad news that David Frank died today.  He had been battling cancer and various complications over the past several weeks.

David gave thirty-four years of his life to RL, its mission, and the fortunate boys who were in his various English classes and plays.  As Director of Drama, David brought great imagination, energy, and a unique sense of possibility to each theatrical event.  He was a force behind the creation of the Smith Theater – an ideal venue for schoolboy theatre.

David was a brilliant polymath.  He could have taught anything (and tried his hand at Latin and music classes during his time at RL), but principally he was a devoted, effective teacher of English.  His students encountered a rare intellect in David.  While many of us who have taught for a while would rely a bit on past years’ work for our lesson plans and assessments, not David for whom each quiz or test presented a new, delicious opportunity to create anew.  What mini masterpieces all of these were!  David was also a warm, generous colleague – a pleasure to know and a continual inspiration.

 

We mourn his loss and celebrate the great and good impact he had on scores of RL boys and many of us over the years.  David and I started our RL careers on the very same day in 1978 and worked together for many years on various musical productions.  I will miss that collaborative spirit and that remarkable mind, and especially David’s capacity for friendship.  

 

We will work with David’s family in order to plan a fitting memorial service in the Smith Theater on a date to be named later.  Please keep David and his family in your prayers.

 

Sincerely,

Kerry P. Brennan

Headmaster