John Charles Francis

John C. Francis (72) “Florist, Master Gardener, Artist, Poet, Loved by many, a Soon Friend to all whom he met, leaving all a bit richer for having known him;” passed away Wednesday morning December 28, 2022 in Nespelem, Washington.

Born June 22nd, 1950 in Rossland, BC, Canada to Alex & Mary “Jean” Moore-Francis; John attended school in Northport, Washington where his second grade teacher – Mrs. Roe first recognized and encouraged John’s artistic ability. Later, along with being on the high school basketball team, playing clarinet in the band, expanding his own expressions through art and Student Teaching Art classes at the grade school, John’s love for gardening also grew. John enjoyed spending time in the garden. Active in “4-H” John studied agriculture in great depth, to the point that by middle-school he could knowledgeably discuss the intricacies of growing plants and vegetables with master gardeners.

Following his 1968 graduation from Northport High School, John attended Fairhaven College in Bellingham, Washington and Eastern Washington State University in Cheney, Washington, earning Bachelor degrees in “Art”, “English” and “Education.”

John’s works of art spanned the mediums of Watercolors, Drawings, Oils, Sculpture and Pottery; winning awards at shows in Spokane, Washington, Pasco, Washington and as far afield as Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He exhibited at galleries in Spokane, Washington, Bellingham, Washington, Cannon Beach, Oregon and Richland, Washington. In 1972 John was commissioned to paint a 30 foot by 8 foot wall mural at Western Washington State University in Bellingham, Washington.

It is however, John’s decision in 1974 to purchase “Seaton’s Grove Greenhouse” in Elmer City, Washington, which he operated until his death, that he is most remembered. For 48 years, his knowledge of growing things was indispensable to his neighbors. John’s art through flowers welcomed newborns, accompanied baptisms, prepared prom corsages, found the single perfect rose, beautified weddings, celebrated anniversaries and honored the lives of beloved elders who had gone on before.

John was a member of the Catholic Church and avid reader. To know John was to realize his greatest joy in life was spending time interacting with others, whether sitting on the pallets behind the florist shop surrounded by his ever-present cats, discussing “the latest gossip” or exchanging pearls of wisdom, often accompanied by stunning pictures of nature with his Facebook Friends. “John loved time with people”

Predeceased by both parents; his brothers: Bob & Steve Francis, sister: Kathleen Francis and nephew: Clifford; John is survived by his sister: Carolyn Francis; brothers: Jerry Francis and Bill Francis (wife-Kathy); nephews: Jason, Ryan, Bill and Alex and nieces: Molly and Lindsey.

His family would like to express deep thanks to Ian at the shop, Tribal Convalescent Center staff and community members for extending John's time working at Seaton's Grove.

Please send any contributions in John’s memory to the Activities Program, Colville Tribal Convalescent Center, PO Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155.

A 7:00pm recitation of the Rosary for John will be Monday, January 9, 2023 at Sacred Heart Mission, 209 9th Street, Nespelem, WA 99155. His Funeral will take place at 10:00am, Tuesday, January 10, 2023 also at Sacred Heart Mission. Graveside Services will follow at Forest Home Cemetery in Northport, Washington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratefuneral.com for John’s family. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee is caring for his family.