Francis passed away peacefully at his home in Calgary on Monday, May 23, 2016. He was 70 years old. Francis leaves behind a loving wife, four sons, a daughter and four grandkids. He is survived by his older brother from England and a brother and sister who live in Ghana. He is predeceased by his parents and one brother.
Francis was born in Bronkong, Ghana to MameTiwaa and Opanyinie. He lived in Canada for over half of his life. Francis made it his mission to ensure his children were given the opportunity to visit their native country, Ghana. He wanted them to see where he was from, and embrace their culture. He was a proud Ashanti and Canadian man. He was always informed of Ghanaian politics, and was an expert in the history.
Everywhere Francis went he projected optimism and exhibited patience that naturally had people gravitating towards him.
He never settled for mediocrity.
Looking for opportunity, Francis moved to Canada in the 1970’s with his son Douglas and obtained citizenship in the 1980’s. Once settled in Canada he brought his wife Hanna to join him. In Canada, he was greeted by the Ghanaian community with open arms and formed lifelong friendships.
Francis started as a Calgary transit mechanic and throughout his 30 year tenure at the Spring Gardens transit office, retired as a foreman. This was his pride and joy. He never missed a day of work (including sick days). His hobbies included working on cars and renovating the house. He was a self-sufficient person who always fixed things himself. Francis was a quiet and calm individual who will always be known as a hard worker.
He took any chance he could to be outdoors and loved to explore Alberta’s landscape. He had a passion for gardening, scouting real estate, watching Ghana play soccer, and helping neighbors in the community.
He worked as a vessel, bringing family members from all over the world to his adopted city of Calgary. He wanted others to be happy, and did this no matter what the cost was. Spending time with family was a priority and ensuring everyone was taken care of was a key component of his character. Francis was a selfless giver, inspiration and a wealth of knowledge for people to model from.
Although hampered by sickness on the first day of his retirement, he was able to visits Los Angeles, Orlando, Las Vegas, and a final trip to Ghana.
We are saddened by our loss, but keep his memory in our hearts and will never forget his infectious smile.
A Visitation will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, AB (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Beddington Pentecostal Church, 16 Bermuda Drive N.W., Calgary, AB on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., with a Visitation held one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery, 3219 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, AB. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.
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