Obituary of George Frederick Francis

July 13, 1941 – Grand Bank, Newfoundland

August 5, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

George Frederick Francis, beloved husband and father passed away on August 5, 2022, at the age of 81.

George grew up in Grand Bank, N.L., and was the youngest of five children. He was always very active and loved playing soccer, even on Sundays which got him in trouble with his mother. After graduating high school, George made his way to Toronto, ON. He worked at Sears and Roebuck, saving every spare dime to go watch his beloved Maple Leafs at Maple Leafs Gardens. From Toronto, George headed to the RCMP, training at Rockcliffe before being posted to Swift Current, SK, where he fell in love with and soon after married Susan. They had five children who were his pride and joy.

Many towns in Saskatchewan were called home through a distinguished 39-year career and Staff Sergeant Francis’ sense of community was unmatched. He helped build infrastructure and goodwill between peace officers and civilians everywhere he went. He received many accolades and medals and was presented with the St. John’s Ambulance Meritorious Certificate for saving a man’s life. He actively participated in community groups as well as two of his greatest passions, coaching and umpiring baseball. George coached teams in Lanigan and Carlyle to Provincial championships and helped shape a lot of young men’s lives along the way. From behind home plate, he made sure everyone knew when a pitch was a strike.

George’s love for the Mounties and his desire to help others was so deeply ingrained that it did not waiver as he began to lose his battle with Alzheimer’s. Until his last days, he could be seen wheeling people around and saluting the nurses at the Chinook Care Centre. The family would also like to salute the staff at Chinook for their excellent care of our husband and father.

We hope he finds the coffee pot full, the sink heaping with dishes, and excited chatter about the Leaf’s chances this year.

Love your forever grateful family.

George is survived by his wife Susan (nee Wiebe), daughters Margaret Ann (Grant), and Marcia; sons Ronald, Craig (Rhonda), and Jeff, his sister Mary Keats; as well as six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. George was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Ann Francis, and brothers Edward, Sidney, and Max.

At George’s request there will be no funeral or memorial service. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1.  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca .

In living memory of George Francis, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.