Frank, known to all as “Big Frank,” was a supporter, season ticket holder, a shareholder, a driving force behind the Hibernian Supporters Association and the Hibernian Supporters Club, and for several years served as a Non-Executive Director elected by fellow fans.
But most of all, Frank was a man for whom Hibs was a way of life. There was virtually no aspect of the Club that Frank was not passionate about and involved in – from his role on the Academy Board to his prominent role in the Persevered Tour, ensuring as many fans as possible got to see the Scottish Cup up close and personal following the triumphant win in May 2016. Quiet visits to a dying supporter and family in a hospice or enjoying the company of young fans in school visits, Big Frank delighted in the shared joy the cup win brought.
Frank was quick to defend the Club against all-comers and played a vital role in the ‘Hands Off Hibs’ campaign. Following an emergency supporters’ club meeting and alongside other supporters, Frank gathered more than 200,000 signatures that were delivered to Tynecastle and Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street to stop Wallace Mercer’s takeover bid in 1990.
He was a regular figure at the Sunnyside premises of the Hibernian Supporters Club where he was a long-serving Treasurer and Trustee, and his long service to fans was recognised when he was made an Honorary President of Hibernian Supporters Association.

Frank was a lifelong Hibee, but the depth of the connection he felt with Hibernian ran even deeper than that. In a rare interview some time before the 2016 final he said: “My great grandfather was one of the members of the Catholic Young Men’s Society that founded Hibs, he wasn't part of the Hibs team, but he was part of the Catholic Young Men's Society that founded Hibernian Football Club.
“My great-grandfather, my grandfather, my father, my brothers, my nephews. There's no choice. My first Hibs game - I was 18 months old. My mother was heavily pregnant with my brother and my father was told to look after me, so he took me to Easter Road. We beat Partick 2-1, not that I remember anything of the game. The first time I can remember was crying my eyes out at Hampden at the ‘58 Cup Final against Clyde. I thought all we had to do was turn up to beat them. We got beat 1-0, my dad told me at that point ‘Don't worry, there's plenty time, we'll win it one day.’ Now, my dad's been dead a number of years and he never saw it. I just hope that one day...”
No-one enjoyed that day more, or could for one second begrudge Big Frank that most memorable day in the sunshine.
Frank had a huge impact on all at the Club. His warm personality and passion will be missed. Our thoughts are with Frank’s brother Maurice and the Dougan family.
Once a Hibee, Always a Hibee.
RIP Frank.