In memory of
Richard Anthony Francis
June 9, 1935 - February 17, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Francis at the age of 90 on February 17, 2026. He passed away peacefully at his long-term care home in Brampton surrounded by family.
He lived a long and full life defined by entrepreneurship, sport, mentoring and a deep devotion to family. He will be remembered for his quick wit, wisdom and his gift for telling a good story.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Sheila and his first wife, Blanche; his devoted daughters, Gina (Brian), Vanessa (Greg) and Arlene (John); and his cherished grandchildren, Jeff (Andrea), Jake (Martine), Annie (Kaleb), Scott (Andrea) and Maya. He was a proud great-grandfather to Eliana and a dear father-in-law to Rick (deceased.)
We will always remember his stories of growing up in McCluskieganj, India -- taking a train alone at age 8 to St. Patrick’s Catholic boarding school and being chased by a panther while riding his bike with his sister Gwen. Or arriving alone in London, England at 19 in the 1950’s and washing dishes to survive. He did secure a position in his profession as a draftsman and rebar detailer in the structural steel industry -- a profession that required precision, discipline and an engineer’s mind. He met his first wife Blanche in London and within a few years, he had renovated a home and his three daughters were born.
Richard moved his family to Canada in 1967 after a short stay in Kingston, Jamaica.
There were endless family camping trips across the U.S. and Canada when his girls were young. Richard founded the Crosstyx Field Hockey Club and designed, built and owned a squash club in the 1970’s. He loved the camaraderie of sport.
Richard renovated every house he lived in entirely on his own. There was no internet or YouTube. He was able to figure out everything on his own, especially how to design and build an arch – he loved arches!
He was among the first in Canada to use AutoCad and teaching others how to use it became one of his passions.
Richard loved travelling with Sheila and everywhere they went, they made lifelong friends. He also loved (and sometimes disliked!) golfing especially with his three sons-in-law.
But his favourite sport was tennis. Nothing made him happier than the annual family tennis tournament at their condo, with as many family members playing as possible.
His family and close friends will forever carry his lessons, his stories and the imprint of his presence. Richard fought for what was right and instilled in his family his steady work ethic, resilience and unwavering belief that family is everything.
Richard will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and held in our hearts always.
A Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held at The Simple Alternative in Mississauga on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 2-4 pm.
Donations to your local food bank in lieu of flowers would be greatly appreciated.
He lived a long and full life defined by entrepreneurship, sport, mentoring and a deep devotion to family. He will be remembered for his quick wit, wisdom and his gift for telling a good story.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Sheila and his first wife, Blanche; his devoted daughters, Gina (Brian), Vanessa (Greg) and Arlene (John); and his cherished grandchildren, Jeff (Andrea), Jake (Martine), Annie (Kaleb), Scott (Andrea) and Maya. He was a proud great-grandfather to Eliana and a dear father-in-law to Rick (deceased.)
We will always remember his stories of growing up in McCluskieganj, India -- taking a train alone at age 8 to St. Patrick’s Catholic boarding school and being chased by a panther while riding his bike with his sister Gwen. Or arriving alone in London, England at 19 in the 1950’s and washing dishes to survive. He did secure a position in his profession as a draftsman and rebar detailer in the structural steel industry -- a profession that required precision, discipline and an engineer’s mind. He met his first wife Blanche in London and within a few years, he had renovated a home and his three daughters were born.
Richard moved his family to Canada in 1967 after a short stay in Kingston, Jamaica.
There were endless family camping trips across the U.S. and Canada when his girls were young. Richard founded the Crosstyx Field Hockey Club and designed, built and owned a squash club in the 1970’s. He loved the camaraderie of sport.
Richard renovated every house he lived in entirely on his own. There was no internet or YouTube. He was able to figure out everything on his own, especially how to design and build an arch – he loved arches!
He was among the first in Canada to use AutoCad and teaching others how to use it became one of his passions.
Richard loved travelling with Sheila and everywhere they went, they made lifelong friends. He also loved (and sometimes disliked!) golfing especially with his three sons-in-law.
But his favourite sport was tennis. Nothing made him happier than the annual family tennis tournament at their condo, with as many family members playing as possible.
His family and close friends will forever carry his lessons, his stories and the imprint of his presence. Richard fought for what was right and instilled in his family his steady work ethic, resilience and unwavering belief that family is everything.
Richard will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and held in our hearts always.
A Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held at The Simple Alternative in Mississauga on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 2-4 pm.
Donations to your local food bank in lieu of flowers would be greatly appreciated.
Funeral Details
Show location:
Celebration of Life
The Simple Alternative - Mississauga
1535 South Gateway Road, Mississauga, ON, CANADA, L4W 5J1
Get Directions
Saturday, 7 Mar 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM