It is with profound sadness we announce the very peaceful passing of our beloved father and grandfather Clifford Edward "Ed" Francis, 88, on December 8, 2023, surrounded by family at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Ed was born November 7, 1935, in Digby to the late Clifford and Ruth (Butler) Francis.
Ed’s life was one of devotion to his family and service to his community. He was happiest when helping others, he gave his time freely with patience and compassion. Due to this unselfish trait, Ed, joined the Canadian Armed Forces in his late teens and was deployed to Korea shortly after enlisting. Clifford Edward Francis was a proud Korean Veteran!
Upon returning from Korea, Ed was medically discharged from the Canadian Armed Forces and sought employment at CFB Cornwallis, and in the local clamming industry. In 1966, Ed supported his wife Christina in opening Christina’s Home Pastries. The following year (1967), he became self employed establishing a well-known fast-food business, “ED’S TAKE-OUT”, and operated the business for 25 years until his retirement.
The business kept Ed busy, however, in his spare time he enjoyed playing checkers, horseshoes, watching wrestling, Sanford & Son, The Jefferson’s and All in The Family. He was a handy man and built both shops for the businesses. However, his pride and joy was the truck camper he built, with no blueprint or design, just a piece of paper, pencil and the truck dimensions.
Ed was a founding member of the Acaciaville Conway Betterment Association (now known as the Jordantown Acaciaville Conway Betterment Association), a member of the Digby Education Committee, Digby East Fish & Game Association, Neighborhood Watch, along standing member of the Conway Co-op Society, the Digby Royal Canadian Legion Branch 20. In later years the Legion was his second home. Ed received the Digby & Area Board of Trade - Lifetime Achievement Award, Lifetime Membership RCL Branch 20, and the Digby Education Committee’s Community Recognition Award.
Ed is survived by his daughters, Darlene (Steve) Jarvis, Culloden; Brenda (Greg Jarvis) Francis, Conway; special daughter, Lilena (Walter) Jones, Upper Hammonds Plains; son, Danny (Shelley) Francis, Conway; special son Jason (April) Francis, Digby ; grandchildren, Brendan (Kristen) Clarke, Bianca Clarke; Simon (Tamara) Francis, Justin Francis, Ryan Francis, Dylan (Hallie) Francis, Cody Tangredi; Kimberly Jones, Adrian (Mahoganey) Jones; Jason (Tamara) Bright, Cory (Nicole) Bright, Kyle Bright, Michael (Lauren) Bright, Chanesse Bright; several great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by his wife, Christina (Langford) Francis; son, Terry Bright; grandson, Brycen Edward Clarke; sisters, Helen Smith, Grace Lawrence; Marilyn Faye Francis; Beverly Jarvis; brother Arnold Francis; special brother, Larry Smith.
Special thank you to the Drs. and medical staff at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Digby Clare Home Support, his private home care staff and VON… especially, Lisa, Jenny, Mary and Marlene for providing good care to our dad.
Visitation will be Friday December 15, 2023 from 2pm – 4pm and 7pm - 9pm at Jayne’s Funeral Home, Digby, NS. A Legion Service and a Celebration of Life for Ed will be on Saturday December 16, 2023 at 2pm at Digby Baptist Church with burial in Maple Wood Cemetery then reception to follow at the Digby Fire Hall.
Donations in Ed’s memory can be made to the Jordantown Acaciaville Conway Betterment Association, Alzheimer’s Society or charity of choice.
Livestream link:
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=a2efee72-83e1-4a18-9f2d-45abfa305734
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