John Edward (Ed) Francis, 90, died peacefully Feb 1 after a courageous struggle with Alzheimers. A loving, kind and generous man, Ed is survived by his wife, Mary Daly-Francis of Drumheller, his daughters, Lesley Francis of Edmonton and Lea (Darcy) Polny of Camrose, his step-children, David (Brenda) Daly of Munson; Arlene (Ron) Hendrickson of Camrose, Douglas Daly (Anne Madsen) of Blue Lake, California, Alison (Randy) Baglole of PEI, and Janice Daly of Carbon as well as 22 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
He was predeceased by his first wife Mary Elizabeth Francis, his parents, Mary and George Francis, his sister Vera Williams, his brother Alan Francis, his daughter-in-law Melinda Daly, his granddaughters Rayle Stern and Amberlei Brock as well as numerous other family members and friends.
Ed was born July 26, 1926 in Carmangay, AB to Mary and George Francis. He joined the Canadian Army during World War II and was always extremely proud of his service to his country. His career path took him from the armed forces to banking to Branch 17 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Medicine Hat in 1958 where he was secretary-treasurer and then manager until his retirement in 1987. He was also a member of Toastmasters and served on the board of Fifth Avenue United Church in Medicine Hat. Ed’s greatest passions were reading, music, puns, chocolate, cars and dancing. His strength, his humor and his smile left a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to meet him. Ed dearly loved his family and we loved him.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Friday, February 10 at Knox United Church, Drumheller with interment to take place 2 p.m., Saturday, February 11 at Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat.