Obituary of Bill Francis

FRANCIS, William (Bill) Thomas

October 19, 1943 – Kingston, Ontario

January 1, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Bill Francis, beloved husband of Arden Francis (nee Crossman), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at the age of 78 years.

Bill’s love of travel and camping started at a young age as he and his family crossed Canada repeatedly by car and trailer. After he married his wife Arden, they continued travelling together.  Bill was proud to say he travelled every major road in Canada, and they were working their way across the USA. Four-wheeling was a passion and he and Arden explored many trails and backroads over the years throughout Western Canada. Bill was committed to responsible off-roading and served as the Vice-President of the Alberta Four-Wheel Drive Association as well as being a member of the United Four-Wheel Drive Association. Bill worked mainly in the transportation industry as a heavy-duty mechanic enjoying the conversation and interactions with others in the field. He spent many weekends camping with his friends and family. His dream was to own and run a campground, so after retirement his passion was fulfilled by serving as a campground host.

Bill truly loved his family and was never happier than when spending time with them. He spent many hours teaching and supervising his daughters and grandsons on how to maintain and repair their vehicles, even if they weren’t Fords! Bill loved to do find-the-difference puzzles with his only granddaughter, and he delighted in teasing and proudly listening to anything his four grandchildren had to share with him. He was always happy to have a drink and shoot the breeze with his friends and family or spend countless hours exploring car shows, auto wreckers and antique stores.

Besides his loving wife Arden, Bill is survived by daughter Twyla Francis, grandsons, Adam, Zack, and Liam; and their father Vince Procopio; daughter Melissa Francis Channon, son-in-law Dale Channon and granddaughter Abigail; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William, and Dorothy Francis, sister Irene, and niece Christa.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB  T3B 6A8, Telephone: 403-955-8818.www.childrenshospital.ab.ca or to STARS Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park  NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7, Telephone; 403- 295-1811; www.stars.ca.

In living memory of Bill Francis, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.