Frank Ney was known for his outgoing personality, his habit of attending civic events and dressing up like a pirate for the appearances, and playing a central role in initiating the bathtub races across Georgia Strait from Nanaimo to Vancouver.
10 Facts About Frank Ney
1.
2.
Frank Ney was an active skier, swimmer, figure skater and boater.
3.
Frank Ney was a resident of Nanaimo from 1946 until his death in 1992.
4.
Frank Ney was Mayor of Nanaimo from 1968 to 1984, and 1987 to 1990, and a Social Credit Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nanaimo from 1969 to 1972.
5.
Frank Ney was defeated in both the 1966 and 1972 provincial elections.
6.
Frank Ney was a member of the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia from January 1956, until his death in November 1992, and had a very busy notarial practice in Nanaimo.
7.
Frank Ney is perhaps most famous for the purchase and subdivision of Protection Island in 1960 and selling it under a pirate-promotion theme.
8.
Frank Ney participated in many local and provincial associations, and was Chairman of the Nanaimo Centennial Committee, responsible for organizing the inaugural Great Bathtub Race between Nanaimo and Vancouver.
9.
Frank Ney was the first Chairman and Admiral of the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society, established in 1968 to continue the bathtub race as an annual event.
10.
Frank Ney was made Freeman of the City of Nanaimo in 1984.