Francis Bay

1926 - 2022

Francis M. Bay

1926 ~ 2022

- Francis McMurrin Bay, better known as Mac, our beloved father, grandpa, brother, and all around fix-it man, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 11, 2022 to joyfully return to be with his beautiful Joann, an event he has anxiously awaited since she returned home in 2018.

Mac was born July 23, 1926 in Junction, Utah to his goodly parents, Ira Milton Bay and Josie Marguerite Barnson. He was born the third child of six, and their only son. Preceded in death by all but his youngest sister, Drusilla. No doubt Madelyn, Dawn, Anna Dee, and Jo Iris, as well as Ira and Josie, happily greeted him upon his return.

In high school, Mac discovered his passion for weight lifting, tumbling and balancing through a good friend. He spent much of his free time practicing tricks and performing them with friends. Mac was drafted into the Army straight out of high school. He was stationed in Oakland, California serving in the Military Police Company. Following his time in the military, he served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the East Central States Mission. He then attended Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah, where his impressive tumbling skills contributed to his being a distinguished cheerleader. Home from college one summer, he met his eternal sweetheart, JoAnn Gillette. They were married on February 14, 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple. JoAnn and Mac leave behind a blessed and bountiful posterity which includes eight children and their spouses: Jerry and Julia Bay, Art and Robin Burnah, Jamie and Carol Bay, Mark and Jill Bay, Doug and Jennifer Bay, David and Jennifer Bay, Ernie and Lisa Blodgett, and Kyle and Lucinda Backman. The next generations contains 34 grandchildren and their spouses, 83 great-grandchildren, and one great- great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his dear wife and two grandchildren.

Professionally, Mac was a respected businessman in several businesses. However, he would tell you that his most important work was spent serving the Lord. He served as a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a total of 19 years. Additionally, he served with JoAnn as Mission President and companion in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. Together, they served as directors of Church Historical Sites in New York. They also served a family history mission together in Arizona. Mac loved God and our Savior Jesus Christ. His life was a living testimony of his love for them and enduring faith in the eternal plan of happiness for us all. His influence for good is immeasurable and spans generations.

Mac was happiest with a tool in his hand and a continual list of projects. Having built at least three of his family homes, there are countless other homes in the family that have benefited from his skilled hands and boundless hard work, skills he passed on to his children. He knew how to work hard and he loved it.

Heaven has gained a valiant and faithful servant of the Lord. He will be remembered as accepting and kind, generous and inclusive, hardworking and strong, decisive and often stubborn, fun loving and devoted. We may weep for missing him; however, we know heaven rejoices.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, reach out to a friend in need; lift up the hands that hang down. We honor his memory as we continue his legacy of generosity, love and service.

Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.