Francis “Frank” Maurice Leversedge
1934-2009

We were all deeply saddened by Frank’s passing and were truly humbled by
his contributions to the soccer club and the local community in general.
Frank was an inspiration to many and we will miss his grace, his humour
and, above all, his kindness and consideration for others. To many,
Frank was Cordova Bay Soccer Club and I expect both he and the club will
be forever linked, as it should be.

Frank possessed an extraordinary sense of purpose and duty that touched
many thousands of people. Frank believed passionately, almost to a fault
some might say, in the power of community and the importance of
individual action. “No” or “never” were not words Frank was particularly
familiar with or fond of.

It’s remarkable just how much Frank contributed to local soccer, much of
it new and innovative. The Annual World Cups Festival, his Annual Indoor
Tournament, the first U14 Lower Island Youth Soccer Association Select
teams, trips to Europe and Mexico, the U19 Women’s World Cup – all of
them great successes thanks to Frank’s vision.

Literally thousands of people have participated in events and games
created, administered or refereed by Frank. And all he asked in return,
was if he could have an Aero Chocolate Bar. Our club’s custom is to
provide referees with a free drink after games. Frank preferred a
chocolate bar.

There is no doubt that the entire local soccer community has benefited
from his contributions.

It is not an exaggeration to suggest that Cordova Bay Soccer Club might
not exist as it does today were it not for Frank’s extraordinary
commitment. When the club was at a low ebb in the mid-1990’s it was
Frank who assumed the Presidency that steered the ship away from the rocks.
When people expressed doubts as to whether our small club could pull-off
the financing and construction of a million-dollar turf field, they
became just some of the many who had underestimated Frank’s drive and
resourcefulness, his ability to inspire and motivate others, his
absolute belief that it would be accomplished. We were comforted with the
fact Frank lived to see its completion and we will continue to cherish
his memory as future generations play at Lochside Park.

The new turf field at Lochside Park is only one of many examples of
Frank’s persuasiveness and dedication to soccer and community interests.
It is with this in mind that the Cordova Bay Soccer Club and the
Municipality of Saanich honour his memory by naming the field “Frank Leversedge Field”.