"Mr. Franks was a very positive person. He had ?old school values.? I was always hoping to work for him. I knew him as a teacher and as a principal. He will be greatly missed! "
In loving memory of
David H. Franks III
David H. Franks III, 50, unexpectedly passed away on May 26, 2020 at home in Scottsdale, AZ.
David was born in Portland, Oregon to D. Hood and Betty Franks.
David is survived by his wife of 21 years, 3 daughters, father, brother and sister-in-law, multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and many friends, all who loved him very much. His mother preceded him in death.
After briefly living in both Alaska and Texas, the family moved to Arizona when David was 6 years old. He lamented the fact that he couldn't call himself an Arizona native. He embraced the Arizona lifestyle and was a great advocate of its diverse opportunities. He would always ask, where else can you drive just a couple of hours and be skiing in the mountains, hiking in the desert, or splashing on the beach? Always outdoors, his youth was spent riding bikes, kayaking, hiking, climbing and exploring.
Climbing, and his outdoor nature took him to his first career, corporate team building. Working for Venture Up involved travel, which he loved, to almost all 50 states, Mexico and Europe. He went on some of his favorite adventures climbing Mont Blanc in France, and Pico de Orizaba in Mexico. Team building, being another form of teaching and guidance, foreshadowed his future in education.
Thus began his second career in primary education. David was a 3rd generation educator. His first job as a teacher was a 1st grade classroom. He decided early on that he would always wear a tie as a sign of respect to his students and the profession. The necktie became his signature item. He had an artistic eye and shopping for ties with David was like visiting an art gallery. He planned to stick with teaching but ultimately discovered his calling in administration. In 2012 David became Principal at Sunset Canyon Elementary where he found his second family. Now ALL of the kids were his and he loved it. He described being a principal like being a father. He was known as a problem solver, supportive when there were struggles, and took pride in the successes.
In his spare time David enjoyed tinkering with his house, hiking, climbing and fly fishing. He loved his music, relaxing with his family and playing with the cats. He was always smiling and had a positive, can-do attitude.
In lieu of flowers to the family, please consider a contribution in David's name to the ALS Association in honor of his mom http://www.alsa.org/ 360 Coronado Rd Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ 85004), or Access Fund https://www.accessfund.org/ P.O. Box 17010, Boulder, CO 80308
A celebration of his life will be announced and held at a future date.
"Be good, do good" -- David
Tributes
"Mr. Franks, I'm so glad to have known you. I'm saddened that more students won't get the chance to have you in their lives. Be at peace. Dorothy Williams"
"The education world has truly lost one of the amazing educators/administrators with David's passing.
We first met at Campo Bello his first year as a new teacher there. I was assigned to be his mentor, he never really needed a mentor-he was dedicated, inspiring and intentional in his educational expectations from all he encountered right from the start. All students who came in contact with over the years adored him and would do anything that Mr. Franks asked. Yes, he wore a tie as respect and had ties in the classroom for those who should amazing abilities in any aspect of the day.
His infectious smile, laugh and kind eyes will always be how I remember David. We will miss you, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Cindy Daniels"
"There are no words. Mr. Franks truly was a genuine good person. He always offered me the encouragement to push forward with my teaching, especially when things were tough. I'll never forget his first year as principal and one of my early years teaching sixth grade. One of my students went missing. David was in touch with me through the evening until the student was finally located. I'll never forget that hug from my principal, my friend, when we knew our boy was safe, RIP, David. You will not be forgotten. Elaine"
"
If you have ever heard David laugh, then you how kind and generous a soul he possessed. When I was a young man wondering about , looking for my place on life, I find myself staying in his apartment for a couple weeks while passing thru Tucan, AZ. He was attending college and I was just returning from a summer of working in Alaska. Spending some bro-time with David was a memorable occasion for myself. He had a way of listening that made me feel inspired about my hopes and ambitions. David seemed to believe devoutly in the potential of a persons inspirations. At the time, I wrote poetry on a daily basis, his insights and encouragement changed my voice as a poet, and a believer of self. I can only imagine that receiving guidance from David, the educator, a friend, or a father, felt exactly like you did it yourself and always meant to do so. If only we could all be as bright within ourselves as my cousin David...... what a joy he was to know."
"Mr. Franks I was always proud and honored working under your leadership at Sunset canyon. I am so thankful for all the help you have done to me. Blessed to know this great man ! Will be deeply missed!"
"Mr. Franks I was always proud and honored working with you at Sunset canyon. I am thankful for all the help you have given me. It is a great blessing to know you and will miss you ! Mathari."
"Mr. Franks was an amazing dynamic man. He was always smiling and greeted everyone with a positive attitude. He was so supportive of his staff and students. He loved the students on campus and you could feel that. The hallways will be a little less joyful without him bouncing through them. Mr. Franks was always at every function will his uplifting smile and personality. Mr. Franks will be deeply missed and no one will ever be able to fill his place but we are all truly blessed to have known him and have him in our lives and the lives of our students. He was an angel on Earth and now he is an angel watching over us. J. Schneider - teacher, grandparent, friend "
"When I started at Campo Bello Elementary - I was the School Nurse - David was a Teacher-on--Assignment. He often accompanied children to my office to serve as their advocate and supporter. Such a kind and caring soul."
"David, You were sunshine in a dark world. Thank you for your eternal optimism, kindness, and unwavering friendship. You will be sorely missed. XO Mon "
"We miss you, David. "