DR. JOSEPH JOANES

DR. JOSEPH FRANCES JOANES
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Joseph Frances Joanes (Frank) on December 5th, 2025 at Roseview Manor with his family by his side.

Frances was born on Nov 6th 1936 in Nairobi Kenya and was the 2nd youngest of six children. He was academically inclined in his youth and went on to complete his "O" level exams at the iconic Dr. Ribeiro Goan School in Nairobi, as a distinguished student of the class of 1954. In 1955 Francis was recognized for exceeding the highest MCAT score at that time for a South Asian and was one of the first student of South Asian decent to be awarded a bursary to study medicine at University of Ireland, Galway Campus. Francis continued his studies/training in Liverpool specializing in Gastroenterology. In England he was in the stands to watch Roger Bannister break the 4min mile!

A night out with his friend Alfred Fernandez at a movie led to meeting Francie Glynn the love of his life and they married Oct 9th, 1965. David was born in Galway and they all immigrated to Canada in 1968. Francis continued training at McGill in Montreal, and they moved to Ottawa and finally Thunder Bay (Port Arthur) in 1969. Francis set up practice at the Port Arthur Clinic and Paul was born in 1972.

Francis quickly learned to love Northern Ontario and embraced skiing, x-country skiing and finally the sport he loved the most, golf. He eventually had a camp on Dog Lake where the family had many great experiences together.

From 1969-2016 Francis served the Thunder Bay District and pioneered the endoscopy unit. He was known for his care and compassion for his Patients and went through great lengths whenever he could to be the best he could be. Francis always acknowledged the wonderful colleagues at the clinic, and many became special friends. Francis could never say enough about the nurses who he found invaluable in his goal to giving the best care.

Francis is predeceased by the love of his life Francie, his parents, Rosa and Rosario Joanes, and siblings, Claudina, Netta, Louisa and Joseph.

He is survived by his 2 sons David, Paul and daughter-in-law Patricia Joanes who cared for Francis with great compassion in his final years. Brother Jacob, Francie's families, Maura and Tom, Drs. Tommie and Martin Glynn and all their families. Francis is also survived by the families of his deceased siblings in Ontario and his 2 favourite pets PJ and Luna.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Manor House and to the nurses and support workers at Roseview who were directly involved in his final care.

A Funeral service and celebration of life will be in the Spring of 2026. Should friends desire, memorial donations to Northwestern Ontario School of Medicine. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel , 21 N. Court Street.