1921-2020

Frank Lagasse

Francis (Frank) Lagasse was born on October 25, 1921, in Newport, Rhode Island. He enlisted in the Canadian Army and served as a Lance-Corporal with the Cape Breton Highlanders in the Italian Campaign of the Second World War. Mr. Lagasse was a Dispatch Rider, one of the most dangerous occupations of the war. While delivering an urgent message on his motorcycle, he was involved in a collision with a Bren gun carrier and lost his left arm.

After the war, he settled in Canada and became an active member of The War Amps Toronto Branch. Through the Civilian Liaison Committee and the Sick and Visiting Program, he spent much time visiting with civilian amputees and fellow veterans who were ill or recovering.

Mr. Lagasse exemplified the Association’s motto of “it’s what’s left that counts” by participating in activities that many at the time thought amputees could not do. He drove a car, taught himself how to sail a one-man sailboat when he was in his 50s and was an avid golfer well into his 90s.

He passed away on August 21, 2020.
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