Mr. Thomas Francis

It is with deep sorrow we the family of Thomas Philip Francis announce his passing after a long valiant fight with cancer on November 6th, 2012.

Tommy was born June 13, 1929. Dearly loved son of deceased parents Thomas and Frances Francis. Tommy is survived by sisters Margaret Burley and Dorothy Neilipovitz.

Tommy always worked; as a very young lad he had paper roots that took him out to Cameron’s Point to deliver Liberty Magazines. He caddied at the golf course, bagged sugar and other food staples at Murray’s Store, helped on a horse wagon house to house milk route. Tommy tried his hand at commercial fishing, timber cruising and diamond drilling. He found time to drive Club Taxi and operate his own Tommy’s Transfer @323 BLACK moving wild rice pickers, hunters, fishermen and tourist camp operators around the region. For a couple of years he worked on the CPR as a switchman. For 19 years he drove bulk oil truck for North Star Oil and Shell Oil under the management of Ted Maluish. In 1973, he joined the Ministry of Natural Resources and worked for 15 years serving in various departments ending as Assistant Park Supervisor of Rushing River Park.

In retirement he enjoyed his walks and meeting the many “guys” working in Kenora. He always had time to inspect their work and make suggestions. He took pride in his yard and gardens right to his final days at home.

Tommy married Ruby (Brown) and as he would put it “then began the best years of his life”. Having four sons, Thomas Philip, Wayne Scott, Gordon David and Timothy Keith Andrew, Tommy spent much time with his boys at little league ball, camping, fishing, hunting and teaching them good work ethics. His highlight was taking the sons with him on his truck trips.

Surviving Tommy and left to mourn his passing are wife Ruby, son Tim ( Dawn) children Robert and Paul, son Gordon (Joyce) children Dena and Jennifer, son Wayne (Marilyn) children Crystaline, Chantelle, twins David and Candace, son Tom (Paula) children Koralie and Dawn. Twelve great grandchildren also survive.

Cremation has taken place and at Dad’s request there will be a private gathering.

Special thanks to Dr. Spielman and Dr. Workman as well as all the staff that made Tommy’s stay in the Kenora Hospital comfortable.

Flowers gratefully declined.