Murray Kenneth Francis passed away in Carbondale, Colorado,on January 22, 2012, from complications due to Alzheimer’s. Murray was born in Calgary Alberta, Canada in 1930.
He is survived by his wife Nell Francis, and children Sandy Francis, Diane Francis, Sue and Jeff Phillips, Jesse and Jill Steindler, and Molly and Tom Bedell. He was survived by 16 grand children, and 12 great grand children.
He was predeceased by his parents Ken and Edith Francis of Canada, and a son Scot Blackmon. He is survived by one brother Chuck Francis and his wife Lynn and their children.
Murray’s entire career was in the newspaper industry. Starting at the Concord California newspaper in 1953. He was a manager at the Berkley Gazette, Classified Ad Manager at the Eugene Register Guard, Publisher of the Comox Valley Record in British Columbia, Canada and co-founder of the Comox Valley Echo in British Columbia where he retired in 1996.
Murray believed in supporting the many communities he lived in. While living in Berkley California he was President of the Berkley Lion’s Club. He also served on the United Way Board in Eugene, Oregon. He was also a leader in the Courtenay BC Rotary Club.
He was passionate about fishing and boating. He also loved to go hunting and all things associated with the great outdoors. Murray loved birds and was a supportor of the Audobon Society. Being of Scottish descent, Murray loved the bag pipe and good scotch. Toss in a Don Williams song and life was good.
A memorial of Murray’s life will be held at a date to be determined in the future. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the national Alzheimers organization www.alz.org