‘A man who valued relationships above all else’: Former Fran’s Restaurant owner Francis Deck dead at 89

Francis "Fran" Deck is pictured next to an Fran's Restaurant location. The business was founded by his late father in 1940. Deck died n June 22 at the age of 89. (Supplied images)

The former owner and operator of one of Toronto’s most beloved and long-running eateries has died.

Francis “Fran” Deck passed away on June 22 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He was 89.

Deck worked at Fran’s Restaurant for decades. He fully took over the family business after his father, Fran Sr., died in a motor vehicle collision in Arizona in 1976 and ran Fran’s until it was sold in 1998 to Joon and Mi Sook Kim.

“Building upon the legacy established by his father, founder G. Francis “Fran” Deck, he dedicated his life to preserving the values of hospitality, community, and accessibility that made Fran’s a household name across generations,” the man’s family said in a news release on Monday.

He is being remembered as a “respected businessman, devoted family man, and caretaker of one of Toronto’s most cherished institutions.”

“(Fran) believed deeply in the power of sharing a meal, and through his stewardship of Fran’s Restaurant, he helped create a place where generations of Torontonians gathered around home-cooked food, meaningful conversation, and lasting friendships,” they said.

“His legacy lives on in the countless memories made around Fran’s tables and in the sense of community he worked so hard to foster.”

Deck, his family added, was known for his “generosity, sense of humour, and unwavering commitment to family,” adding his “impact extended far beyond the restaurant business.”

“Those who knew him remember a man who valued relationships above all else and took great pride in bringing people together,” they said.

‘His greatest pride was always his family,’ grandson says

Grandson Kyle Ecclestone said his “Papa” had a love for family and food that went beyond Fran’s.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories involve meals around his table. His stories, his jokes, and the time we shared together will not be forgotten. He was immensely proud of the role Fran’s played in Toronto, but his greatest pride was always his family,” he shared.

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When not working, Deck volunteered with Covenant House, which is the largest agency in North America serving youth ages 16 to 24 who are homeless, trafficked, or at risk. In his retirement, he was also involved in running a men’s therapy group, his family confirmed.

An avid Blue Jays fan, Deck loved the Green Bay Packers. He was also a fan of film and enjoyed chocolate, coffee, and hot fries, and watching his bird feeder.

He is survived by his wife Anne, five children, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He also leaves behind several family members and friends, former colleagues, loyal customers, and many people whose lives he touched throughout the city, his family said.

Details about Deck’s funeral and memorial will be announced at a later date.