VALE Frank McGrath

Members of the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, especially those Western Australian’s who were around in this industry in the sixties, seventies and later are saddened to hear of the passing of Australian Institute of Building Surveyors Life Fellow and Foundation President of the AIBS WA Chapter Mr Frank McGrath. Frank was a visionary man and a true leader. Frank was a very modest man and very understated about his immense talents and his standing in the community.

Frank made his mark on our industry through his education work in “Powers and Duties”, an early but comprehensive look at the young profession of Building Surveying. He was also responsible for writing much of the text books used for training of Building Surveyors. Frank is remembered by many who benefited from his extensive industry experience and willingness to share the knowledge.

Frank is one of few people to hold Life Fellow Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors while also holding full membership of Planning Institute Australia. Frank’s knowledge was valued by both professions. He held the Principal Building Surveyor position, as well as being responsible for Planning Control at the City of Nedlands for more than twenty years. After semi - retirement he undertook appraisal of many appeals under Western Australian Planning Legislation on behalf of the Department of Planning before the State Administrative Tribunal came into being. 

After Cyclone Vance decimated the Western Australian town of Exmouth Frank joined many of his colleagues to assist with the inspection programme to document detail of damage to buildings, with a view to improving Building Regulations and practice.

On a lighter side Frank was known for falling asleep at one of our conferences and then falling off the chair. In the official magazine conference report the late Lou Candido AIBS cartoonist published a cartoon of Frank attending the next conference with seats belts to restrain him from falling.

He has spent his retirement in the coastal resort town of Mandurah enjoying a feed of Blue Manna crabs with his wife of over sixty years, Kathleen, who also sadly passed away in March of this year.

Our condolences go to Frank's family, friends and past colleagues. Frank will be sadly missed.

The McGrath family has advised a private funeral will be held for Frank.

Kind regards,
The Member Services Team