Clement Victor Francis
June 10, 1928 – November 1, 2022
The family of Clement Victor Francis is shocked and deeply saddened to announce his passing
on November 1st 2022. He is lovingly remembered and lives on through his seven children and
their spouses. Phillip and Caroline Francis, Sabrina and the late Keith Ross, Everton and
Belinda Francis, Jennifer and Christopher Lamaire, Father David Francis, Anita and Deon
Armstrong, and Lyndon and Elaine Francis.
Grandchildren – Calvin and Shalini, Candy and Prasad, Neil, Ken, Matthew, Evita and Shawn,
Denver and Roma, Kris-anne, Brooke, Lynn and Liam, Dianne, Dylan, Craig, and Aaron.
Great Grandkids – Ashlen, Aneira, Neevan, Keenan, Skye, Amelia and Luke.
And all his extended family and friends, near and far.
A Tribute to Pa: From Fr. David on behalf of all his siblings
GONE TOO SOON – AT 94 – OUR LOVING DAD
Dearest family members, friends all gathered here this morning. Today, we deeply feel the loss
of a dearly dearly beloved person. We moan, we cry, we grieve, we silently weep and it seems
that for now that is the only emotion we feel. In losing our dad, we also feel a part of us has left
with him as well. We have lost a Dad, a grandpa, a great grandpa, a father-in-law, an uncle and
a dear friend to so many of you. To intone the right words on behalf of each and every one of
you would be woefully inadequate. It’s even more difficult when some of us are far away and
unable to stand together to share this loss personally. And yet, lining the clouds of grief and loss
are the silver linings of thanksgiving for a life lived to the fullest!
I titled this tribute to our dad as, “Gone too soon” – for someone who passed on at 94, this may
sound an exaggeration of the highest order – but to those who knew our dad they would fully
agree with that. Be it Dad or Pa or Pop or just Clemmy, he was not just a youthful spirit in an old
body but he was youthful in every sense – body, mind and spirit. He could relate to all and make
them feel at ease. He was a magnet to the young ‘uns and he drew them in with his ready wit
and his penchant for telling stories from his life. I remember a time when dad and I did the
famous “Rockies” Train trip and a young girl came up to me and said, “Your dad is amazing – I
can’t believe when he told me he was 87 – no walking stick, walking so erect. Wow!” I replied
back, “Please don’t tell my dad that I told you this, but he is actually 91” No words to describe
her expressions then. For him, age was a matter of the mind; if you don’t mind then it doesn’t
matter!
There are seven of us children and it wasn’t very easy for mum and dad. Hey worked hard to
bring us up but they never ever complained. Once they were back from work, they prioritised
family time. We all had our chores to do. Each one their specific responsibility. Living spaces
were constricted, but their hearts were warm and open. Though resources were scarce, our
parents gave us riches far more than any worldly treasure – they gave us love (to each in a
special way), they gave us the gifts of laughter, family, hard work, honesty, courage, real joy,and
resilience. They drilled in us the importance of staying connected to each other and to always
remember that to err is human, to forgive is divine….and when every worldly source is depleted,
to trust in God’s divine Providence.
Those were times- when there were faithful friends and not Facebook Friends; where smiles
were real and not emojis; where laughter was loud and felt not scribbled LOLs; where music
was in the soul and not about use and throw; where stories were real and not fabricated for
public ratings.
At all times dad stood tall – literally and figuratively. He was not a harsh parent but when he did
in rare moments turn stern, then it had to be that you either ‘shape up or ship out’. We loved our
monthly ‘pocket money’ when each of us stood in line starting with the eldest to the youngest to
receive our much-treasured monthly allowance from him. He was always there for us. Mum and
dad were the epitome of ‘opposites attract’. If mum was fire, dad was ice, if mum was chalk, dad
was cheese; If mum was the storm, he was calm after the storm! In dad, there was a quiet
strength and patience that kept us good and grounded. He recognized each of his children as
unique and different individuals. He never chided us for our choices – he would tell me that I am
the luckiest of the family as I did not marry and to the married children he would say about their
spouses, “you made the best choice”.
He loved life and all those delicacies that come with it – good food, daily exercise, gardening,
grocery shopping, regular travels to India and other places of leisure; following daily mass on TV
or watching the news or some favourite comedies on TV and a nap on his sofa. Not to forget his
daily drink that was punctuated with ‘oohs and aahs’ at each sip.
His being young is evident that he lived healthy till the end – the only time he was hospitalised in
all his life were the days prior to his death. And that was also his last. Saby, Lyndon and Elaineyou
were his pillars of strength. Angels of care! On your toes and always by his side, you gave
him all the time, love and care. Not just in these last few days, but all the years since mum
passed on. Jennifer and Anita in Australia, Everton in Canada, Phillip and David in India all had
our ‘moments in the sun’ with dad when he visited. And when we were far from him, we kept
connecting with great warmth and affection. Each of you is incredible to say the least!
As it is in life, the taste of all that’s best lingers on forever. To borrow Hellen Keller’s words,
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose, for all that we love deeply
becomes part of us.” And that part of us is filled with a sense of joy and gratitude for the gift of
such a lovely person that will linger on for many lives to come.
So my dear family and friends, as the curtains fall on a life that was lived to the fullest, let’s take
a bow to Clement Forever Young Francis!
Visitation
Friday, November 4, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Catholic Cremation Services
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON L5T 1N4
Funeral Mass
Friday, November 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
Merciful Redeemer Parish
2775 Erin Centre Blvd, Mississauga, ON L5M 5W2
Cremation
Assumption Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON L5T 1N4
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16 Messages
Gail Francis
on November 2, 2022 at 8:10 pm
Praying for Uncle Clement’s soul to rest in peace. Our prayers and thoughts are with each one of Uncle Clement’s children and their families. Uncle Clement has left good memories which will be treasured. God’s protection and blessings be with you all. ️ . From Peter, Gail and family.
Reply
Davina n Gerard.
on November 3, 2022 at 8:33 pm
Rest in peace Uncle Clement.Condolences to all the family members.
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Petula Michael
on November 3, 2022 at 9:48 pm
So well penned Father David. Eternal rest grant to Uncle Clement and may his soul rest in peace. Condolences to all the family.
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Niraj Keswani
on November 3, 2022 at 11:31 pm
Heartfelt condolences Lyndon and family. May the departed soul rest in peace and the family be comforted by everlasting memories.
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Sheetal Suvarna
on November 3, 2022 at 6:55 am
Rest in Peace uncle you will always be missed
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Jolene Lewis
on November 3, 2022 at 3:58 pm
Dear Pa,
I want to let you know how much joy you brought into my life! Getting to know you over the last couple of years has been the greatest gift. I remember meeting you for the first time and how you immediately welcomed us with open arms and shared all your love. I have learned so much from you but most importantly, you taught me the value of laughter and the value of enjoying each moment. You taught me that the secret to living till the young age of 94 is to exude love, to laugh, to appreciate each day and to have a shot of brandy each night. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge, wisdom and stories with us (even the naughty ones). I will never forget them and will always treasure them.
Most importantly, I want to thank you for choosing to be my Pa- the coolest, smartest and kindest Pa. You made me feel like your own grand-daughter from the day I met you and for that I am eternally grateful. I don’t remember what it was like to not have you in my life because you have had such a profound impact on me. You are the only Pa I’ve ever had and I am one lucky girl! I have felt such a special bond with you and it’s all because you have so much love and light to share. I want to be just like you. You are so loving to Nevad and I and we loved to spend time with you and listen to all your stories. Every time we left your apartment, we felt rejuvenated and really blessed to have you. I will miss calling you everyday and hearing about your day and telling you about mine.
Thank you for being my Pa. Till we meet again- I love you very much!
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Laura and Bramwell. Australia
on November 3, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Annu, Deon & Diane …Our Heartfelt condolences to you and the whole family on the passing away of Uncle Clement . May God give you all the strength to bear this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
May Uncle’s soul RIP
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Gail and Peter Francis
on November 3, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Hello Deon,
Our heartfelt condolences to you, Anita and family, for the loss of Uncle Clement. Our prayers and thoughts are with each one of you at this time of your grief. May Uncle Clement’s soul rest in peace. ️
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Adrian , Rochelle, Aneira & Kerri
on November 3, 2022 at 6:49 pm
Dear Lyndon, Elaine & family,
Our sincere condolences and sympathies to you and all your family members on the loss of your Dad! May Uncle R.I.P.
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Debbie Peters
on November 3, 2022 at 8:33 pm
Rest in peace dear Uncle Clement.You touched the lives of both the young and old.Your earthly life is complete.Your children,grandchildren,great grandchildren and loved ones will live with your memories.
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Gerard francis
on November 4, 2022 at 1:02 am
A great loss for the whole family may his soul rest in peace
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Mary, Mario, Bree and Blaine
on November 4, 2022 at 2:44 am
Thinking of each one of you during this difficult time ❤️ You are in our Thoughts and prayers May dads soul Rest In Peace as dad now unites with your beautiful mum ❤️❤️
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Noel Lewis
on November 4, 2022 at 5:01 am
Pa – you were a light in ‘t life and a true display of how to live life to the fullest. You thought me how to enjoy every moment in my life and brought me so much joy through your stories and small gestures that did not go unnoticed. I am still in denial that you left so abruptly. Thank you for always remembering what my week looked like and spending time with me and Jolene. I enjoyed our little time we had together and you made it feel like I’ve known you for decades. It was hard to see you go from a youthful person to your last few days and I wish we spent the last day together, but I will always cherish the times we spent together and remember you for the 20 year old man in a 94 year old body. You went too soon and I hope to reconnect with you another day.
Until then, cheers!
Love,
Noel (Nivad)
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Julia
on November 4, 2022 at 5:34 am
To the Francis family;
To the sons and daughters and their spouses as well as all the grandchildren:
Sending you all my deepest sympathy and condolences for the loss of a great father, father in law and grandfather.
I never met Clement but I heard so many beautiful stories of a man with integrity and great character with amazing sense of humour and larger then life personality and devotion.
In particular my love and condolences goes to Jennifer and Christopher Lamaire together with their daughters Chris-anne and Brook.
My thoughts and prayers for all the extended family
Julia and family from Melbourne Australia
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The extended family of Ram & Vinu Prasad
on November 4, 2022 at 7:53 am
Thank you Davy for that vivid narrative of a life we all could emulate. Uncle Clement touched all our lives leaving indelible memories and the feeling that he is still with us.
Rest in Peace Uncle Clement.
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Sharon,Henry and Nikki
on November 6, 2022 at 7:18 am
Our deepest condolences to the family for your loss
May the beautiful memories you all hold give you peace and comfort during this time .
Rest in peace Uncle Clement.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Clement Victor Francis 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Mississauga, Province: Ontario