1924-2016

Frank Nagy

Frank Nagy was born on May 26, 1924. When he was 17, he enlisted with the Canadian Army in February 1943, despite being underage. He served overseas as an Infantryman with the Cape Breton Highlanders. He saw action in both North Africa and Italy. While in Italy in May 1944, he lost his arm above the elbow due to shrapnel when he tried to help his wounded Major on the Hitler Line.

Mr. Nagy returned to Canada and joined The War Amps in 1946, holding the positions of:

• National Director, Vancouver Branch
• Member, Civilian Liaison Program

In his work assisting with the Civilian Liaison Program, he passed on his knowledge by visiting amputees in hospitals to help them deal with their fears arising from the loss of a limb. Due to his amputation, he was forced to change careers from what he had done before the war, so he enrolled in night school classes. He ended up owning his own television and radio repair business, as well as becoming an accomplished piano player and woodworker.

Mr. Nagy tells his story in the video entitled War Amputees Gather to Reflect on The War Amps Legacy.

He attended many of the CHAMP seminars in British Columbia, encouraging the children he met there to accept their amputations and keep a positive attitude. For his service to the Association, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Membership, Meritorious Service Membership and Honorary CHAMP Membership.

Mr. Nagy passed away on April 27, 2016.
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