It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of the former Chief of Eskasoni, Blair Francis. Blair was a great leader in his community however he will forever be a great husband, father and grandfather. Blair was the son of the late Eskasoni Chief, Charlie Francis and Elizabeth (Gloade) and was born in Sydney.
Blair will be sadly missed by his wife Carol of 30 years, and his daughters Jessica (Cody), Laurelle (Jerry), Blaire (Chris), Brooke (Albert) and his baby girl Faithe (Chad). His Grandchildren, Chano, Lorali, Jeremiah Blair, Emery, Albert Jr., Cody Jr., Silas, Cara, Cairo, Henry and Tatum Blair. He will also be missed by his 30+ godchildren, whom he loved dearly.
He is also survived by his brothers Gerald (Mabel), Chuck, Paul, Barry (Eicka), his sisters Marion, Sandy (Ken), Jeanette, Margie, and Elyse (Matt)
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Dennis and his sisters Carol, Shirley, Lena and Marion Paul.
Blair was one of the younger siblings in the Francis family where hard work was part of a normal day in the Francis family. Another part of the Francis trait was to play hard. Blair was a great athlete and loved to play hockey and ball and reminded many that he was the Winter Carnival Arm Wrestling Champion for many years.
Blair grew up in a construction family where his older brother Paul had a construction company called PK Construction. At a young age, Blair learned the skills of driving heavy machinery but his favorite was always the excavator. He always referred to his time working on the excavator as his “Happy Place.”
When opportunity came for Blair to continue his brother’s construction company, he was ready to take on the business part and re-named the construction company to First Nation Construction.
His construction company was responsible for many new developments throughout Eskasoni and beyond.
Blair’s family was also a big part of the political scene in Eskasoni. His father was a former Chief and his brothers and sister were councillors. Blair was elected as a councillor at a young age and made a choice to run for Chief in 2000. With his campaign slogan, “Leadership is Action, Not Position,” Blair created history in November 2000 and became the youngest Chief of Eskasoni at the age of 35. He served three terms as Chief, until 2006. During his leadership Chief Blair was greatly involved with his community and held many special events where community members were recognized and celebrated. He loved his community elders and his biggest joy was naming new fishing vessels after respected elders.
Chief Blair contributed to the progress and growth of his community. Blair and his council achieved many great things in his six years and those infrastructures are an integral part of the community today.
Some of his highlights as Chief was the opening of the Eskasoni Supermarket, the completion of the UINR building (now Crane Cove Seafoods), the completion of the Sarah Denny Cultural Center, the completion of the sidewalks, the completion of the boat building (now the Eskasoni Immersion School), the construction of many new homes and subdivisions and so much more.
Before Blair was elected as Chief, the previous government signed the first Marshall agreement for Eskasoni in June of 2000. For the betterment of Eskasoni, Chief Blair and his council believed a long-term Marshall Agreement with DFO was more beneficial for the community. His vision was true. Eskasoni created a viable and profitable fishing industry from the Marshall Agreement where the impacts are reaped today. These are just some of Chief Blair’s leadership highlights, his biggest joy was always being with his family. Blair enjoyed hanging out with his grandchildren, watching WWE, having tea on the table with whoever would visit and continued to help out in the construction company he helped build.
Chief Blair was dearly loved by our elders and was admired for his leadership. His legacy and impact on Eskasoni will never be forgotten.
Chief Blair’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Cape Breton Dialysis Program at CBRH for their excellent care.
Visitation will take place on Sunday October 17, 2021 after 7 pm at 5185 Mountain Road, Eskasoni, and continue until the Funeral Mass, celebrated on Tuesday October 19 at Holy Family Church, 10:30 am with Fr. Antolin Asor officiating. Proof of Vaccination required.
To leave memories or condolences for the family please visit www.twcurry.com
