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Obituary of Wayne Joseph Francis
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A lover of stories, Wayne’s began in the town of Burin, Newfoundland, a place that stayed close to heart throughout his life. His childhood was marked by the love and closeness of a large circle of family and friends. From spotlight to snow forts, many hours were spent playing on the meadow. Trouting in the country with his father and brother was tradition.
Wayne excelled as a multi-sport athlete, particularly in soccer and hockey. Wayne won many championships and awards, including Provincial High School Male Athlete of the Year for Newfoundland and Labrador, and MVP of the Atlantic Canadian Soccer Championship. In 2024, Wayne was inducted into the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame. Most importantly to Wayne, he made life-long friends and memories as a Berney Breaker, Burin Eagle, Marystown Mariner, and captain of the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games Soccer Team.
Wayne also stood out as a student. After graduating from Father Berney Memorial High School, he attended St. Francis Xavier University as an Oland Scholar. There he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Honours). He was also team captain of the varsity soccer X-Men and recognized nationally as a Canadian all-star. Wayne earned distinction as an Academic All-Canadian for his performance both on the field and in the classroom.
After graduating from STFX, Wayne pursued law school as a Lord Beaverbrook Scholar at the University of New Brunswick. He finished his varsity soccer career as an Atlantic Canadian all-star at UNB, leading the team to an appearance at the national championship. Wayne also played with Halifax Dunbrack and Halifax City soccer clubs, winning six provincial titles and having many fun times along the way.
After law school, Wayne articled in Halifax with Cox Hanson O’Reilly Matheson (now Cox & Palmer), and was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2003. A few years later, Wayne moved to the Halifax firm now known as Ritch Williams & Richards, where he specialized in the areas of insurance defence and subrogation. Wayne was a skilled litigator who successfully appeared before all levels of Courts in Nova Scotia. He became RWR’s Managing Partner in 2021, and was committed to helping the firm grow as a business and a team.
Wayne loved adventures and making new memories. Along with Norma Snow, his wife and partner of more than 20 years, they explored both far afield and closer to home, often joined by friends and family. Some of their adventures included trips to Bali, Italy, France, and Amsterdam. They equally loved exploring Atlantic Canada. Wayne and Norma also enjoyed bringing family and friends together, whether it be a murder mystery or family game night, often hosted at their Dartmouth home. Wayne and Norma’s love for each other was easily identified by those around them.
All of Wayne and Norma’s adventures had a soundtrack – curated by Wayne, reflecting his deep appreciation for music. He enjoyed playing guitar and was known to tell stories through song. Sometimes he would even sing them. Like his father, Wayne was always one of the last ones at a gathering, telling stories and enjoying comradery. Wayne played a mean game of Scrabble and a shrewd hand of poker. He and his sister exchanged many a book recommendation. He spent countless hours researching his family tree, which often involved intricate discussions with his mother. Wayne steadfastly supported his favorite sports teams, most notably Liverpool FC, the Halifax Wanderers, and the Montreal Canadiens. All who knew him recognized his debating skills (although those closest to him sometimes called it arguing).
Wayne passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on December 13, 2024, nearly a year after a cancer diagnosis. In that year, he taught those around him to make new memories, cherish your loved ones, and enjoy the little comforts in life.
Wayne will be deeply missed by many, including his: wife, Norma Snow, and their Yorkshire Terrier, Lucy; mother, Mary Francis; sister, Lori Francis (Brian Pardy); brother, Brian Francis (Chrissie Henderson); mother- and father-in-law, Shirley and Noah Snow; sisters-in-law, Barb Snow (Jimmy Wall) and Nancy Matthews (Greg); and six nephews, Lennox and Ray Francis, Owen and Sean Pardy, and Tyler and Ryan Matthews. Also left to mourn are his uncles and aunts: Kevin Lundrigan (Ella Appleby); Leo Lundrigan; Keith & Mary Lundrigan; Sheila Lundrigan; Bernice & Don Hollett; and Pauline & Terry Walsh. Wayne is fondly remembered by a large circle of extended family, friends, colleagues, and teammates.
Wayne was predeceased by his: father, Ben Francis; grandparents, Elizabeth & Robert Lundrigan, and Sarah Francis; aunts, Mary Lundrigan and Jean Butler; and Uncle Eugene Lundrigan.
As Wayne wished, a memorial scholarship for student athletes with connections to the Burin Peninsula has been established. Donations to this scholarship can be made at: cfnl.ca/cfnl-funds/wayne-francis/
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 6pm to 9pm at Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main Street, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. An additional event in Wayne’s memory will be held back home in Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador, at a later date.
2024
Death notice for the town of: Clarenville, Province: T-N
death notice Wayne Joseph Francis 2024
obituaries notice Wayne Joseph Francis 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Wayne Joseph Francis 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
