John (Jack) Francis of La Poile, NL went to be with the love of his life on April 10, 2023 after a brief illness. One time it would be called old age.

He wore his birthday boy badge proudly as we celebrated his 90th birthday a few short months ago on February 15.

To say he missed his late wife Alma Francis is an understatement for he longed to be with her again. The two were inseparable, where you saw one you saw the other, especially during their time in Port aux Basques where they kept a winter apartment.

At home in La Poile, things were different as Mr. Francis preferred to spend his days as busy and productive as possible. Much of his younger years was spent working away on fishing boats to support his wife and sons. He spoke often of times when fishing off Nova Scotia off Burnt Islands, and on the Grand Banks, as well as around home in La Poile Bay. His leisure time was spent berry picking, trapping, gunning and boating to his cabin at George's Harbour.

After a lifetime on the water as a fisherman, he "officially" retired during the cod moratorium but grabbed at every possible opportunity to get the smell of bait on his hands again. He wore out his last pair of rubber boots lobster fishing with son George and at the bait shed in La Poile baiting hook-and-line fishing gear for anyone who wanted it.

For those fortunate enough to know him, Mr. Francis was a kind soul and a charmer. He had a smile and wanted a chat with everyone he saw. He was a faithful man who loved going to church when he could. When he couldn't, he knelt to pray every day. He could play the button accordion and loved to sing hymns on Sundays. He lived a modest and humble life where family was most important.

Mr. Francis came from hard workers Priscilla (midwife) and John (fisherman) Francis of La Poile. He was one of 12 children: Garfield, Peter, Bill, Cecil, Willis, twin boys Willis and Percy, Charlotte Courtney, Alma Warren, Emma Francis and the remaining surviving sibling, Suzie Thorne.

Leaving to mourn are his three sons: Ross (Cathy) Francis, Wayne (Kathleen) Francis of La Poile and George (Mandy) Francis of Port aux Basques; grandchildren Tracey (Terry) Trask, Krista (Sebastien) Francis, Jennifer (Justin) Callahan, Andy (Miranda) Francis, Nikita (Zack) Keeping, and Georgia Francis; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

Mr. Francis resided at Mountain Hope Manor in Port aux Basques during the last 18 months of his life.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 12 ^th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at East Haven Funeral Home Inc., 57 Grand Bay Road, Port aux Basques. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 13 ^th, 2023 at 11 a.m. from St. Paul's Anglican Church, Grand Bay-Port aux Basques officiated by Rev. Faye Coffin. Interment to follow at Hillside Haven Cemetery, Isle aux Morts Road, NL. Flowers are graciously accepted or donations in Jack's memory can be made to the family. Funeral arrangements were in the care of East Haven Funeral Home Inc, 57 Grand Bay Road, Port aux Basques, NL. info@easthavenfuneralhome.com (709)-695-2300 www.easthavenfuneralhome.com

Forever In Our Hearts