Obituary of Al Francis

FRANCIS, Al Alice and daughters Janet, Barbara and Diane, are deeply saddened with the death of beloved husband and father, Al. Also remembering Al are sons in law, Brian and John, grandchildren Jennifer, Ian, Trevor, Johnny, Bridget, Jack, and brothers Bob and Dave. Al succumbed to his illnesses Monday evening October 10, 2016, at South Huron Hospital at the age of 83 years. His grace and wit stayed with him even as he struggled with illness. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in chemical engineering. After graduating he came to Sarnia in 1956 for work but initially vowed to return to the west to escape the Ontario summer humidity. However, he met Alice and never left. Al worked at the then company, Polysar, married Alice and together over the years raised and nurtured their three daughters. To his great delight, the family increased to include son in laws and grandchildren. While living in Sarnia, his work gave him many international travel experiences which he enjoyed greatly. His love to travel stayed with him his whole life and together with Alice they travelled the globe many times. He was known as a great gardener and loved to spend time in the garden. In Sarnia, he had beautiful rose gardens and at the cottage and later at their Grand Bend home, expansive perennial gardens. It was there he developed a love/hate relationship with the rabbits! Retiring from Polysar and Alice from teaching, they travelled to China to teach English and met many interesting Chinese students, relationships which continue to this day. Travelling, gardening, touring North America with Alice in the motor home, hosting family events and getting to know his grandkids made him happy and grateful. We also are grateful to have known his amazing sense of humour, his presence of life, his practical guidance in all things, and all- encompassing love for his family. Expressions of sympathy and memories may be shared at www.denning.ca. For those who wish, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. A Gathering of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for Al Francis will be held at the Sarnia Riding Club, 980 Riding Club Lane, Sarnia, off Lakeshore Road, on Sunday, November 20, 2016, from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Funeral arrangements entrusted to DENNINGS OF FOREST