Obituary of Benjamin Francis

Ben Francis: April 10, 1946- May 9, 2015 A proud Port-au-Bras native, Ben sailed the oceans of the world for 46 years. First, with the late Skipper Lloyd Bugden aboard the Topsail Star and the Duke of Topsail. Later, with Maersk offshore supply vessels. He was known far and wide in Newfoundland seafaring circles as a good engineer, a great shipmate and a better person. All of Ben’s hard work at sea was to provide for his family in Burin; Mary, his loving wife of 41 years, and his three children, Lori, Wayne and Brian. He was very proud of all their accomplishments and welcomed with open arms their spouses Brian Pardy, Norma Snow and Chrissie Henderson into his family. More recently, his three grandsons, Owen, Sean and Lennox became the centre of his world. In retirement, Ben thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Telling stories to his grandchildren, evenings beside the fire, reminiscing with his sister Jean Butler, sing-alongs with good friends, trouting excursions and watching his beloved Detroit Red Wings all made him as happy as a man could be. Few walk through this world with as gentle a step - he had no enemies and was loved by all he met. Even fewer find true happiness in their everyday lives. Ben accomplished both and left a profound impact on all those he encountered. He will be deeply missed. Also leaving to mourn brothers in law Kevin Lundrigan, Eugene Lundrigan (Sheila), Keith Lundrigan (Mary), Leo Lundrigan, sisters in law Pauline Walsh (Terry) and Bernice Hollett (Don), many nieces and nephews and a large circle of extended family, friends and former shipmates. Predeceased by Mother, Sarah Francis, Mother and Father in law, Elizabeth and Robert Lundrigan, sister in law, Mary Lundrigan and nephew Bill Butler, Jr. Resting at Serenity Funeral Home on Sunday, May 10th from 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Monday, May 11th from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will take place from Holy Trinity Church, Ship Cove on Tuesday, May 12th at 2:00 p.m. Internment at the Anglican Cemetery, Hodder’s Point. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in his memory may be made to Holy Trinity Church.