Christopher John Francis

1955-2012

Christopher John Francis died on October 27th, 2012 at London Chest Hospital following Heart surgery.

He was born and raised in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, UK and studied at the University of Manchester. He immigrated to Canada in 1979, following his marriage to Paula Jane, and attended the University of Toronto, graduating in 1984 with a PH. D in Chemistry.

Christopher had a lifelong passion for music, choral music in particular. He began as chorister at the age of 7 in his local church choir and continued to sing throughout his life in choirs such as the Bach Choir, Toronto Medelssohn Choir, Halifax Camerata Singers and the Cape Breton Chorale.

Christopher was diagnosed with diabetes as a small child and struggled with the debilitating complications of the disease for many years. His family would like to take this opportunity to thank the doctors and nurses who have been involved in his care over the past 20 years, especially Dr. Andrew Wawer, the VON nurses and the staff at the renal units of the Northside General and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Despite his ill-health, Chris faced the obstacles in his path with determination and never lost his sense of humor nor his zest for life.

He is survived by his wife Paula Jane, his children Michael (Amanda) and Emma; his Sisters Yvonne (Graham) Gore and Susan Grice and his Brother Paul Francis; nieces Paula Louise Francis, Sophie and Carolyn Gore, Yasmin Francis, and Amy Baxendale; nephews Paul Vernon, Simon and Ben Francis, Devin Baxendale and great neice Elyssia Anderson.

He was predeceased by his parents June and Harry Francis, his sister Amanda, and his nephew William.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service in honor of Christopher’s life will take place on Saturday, December 1st at 2 pm at Carman United Church, Sydney Mines. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the memorial fund of Carman United Church. Online condolence may be sent to the family at www.fillmoreandwhitman.com.