Cyril Francis

FRANCIS, Cyril Lloyd March 19, 1920 - January 20, 2007 Son of the late Frederick Roland and Mary Dyble Francis, passed quickly and peacefully from us without pain on the evening of January 20, 2007. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Cyril Lloyd Francis, BA, MA, PhD, former MP, and Privy Councillor. Born Ottawa, graduate: Bayview Public School, Glebe Collegiate, University of Toronto (Class of 1940). World War II Veteran Radar Technician for two years with RAF Squadron 96 and Navigational Instructor, Rivers, Manitoba. Distinguished academic, lecturer in Economics and Industrial Relations, PhD in Labour Economics. In 1951, he returned to Ottawa. He served ten years in the Civil Service, laying ground work for the Canada Pension Plan. As a businessman, he was instrumental in three subdivisions, giving shape and direction to our City. He asked searching questions about Ottawa's structure and direction. As a civic leader, he was elected Alderman in 1958, Deputy Mayor and Controller in 1960 and 1962. Director Canadian Federation Mayors and Municipalities 1962. Elected first Liberal MP for Carleton 1963 and MP for Ottawa- West in 1968, 1974 and 1980, capping his political career as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, 1983 and Speaker in 1984. He completed his career in public service as Canadian Ambassador to Portugal in 1984-1987. As a statesman, he was twice Canadian delegate to the UN and four times an International Election Observer in Sri Lanka and Macedonia. Chairman Inter-Parliamentary Union, 1977-1979. Well known locally as a demon rock-hound. Longtime member of Ottawa Lapsmith Club. Director and organizer of its annual September Show at the Nepean SportsPlex. In retirement, his list of activities actually increased: Director of the Canadian Medical Discovery Fund, fishing, the Ottawa Historical Society, the Ottawa Chapter of Christians and Jews, Trustee Ottawa Civic Hospital, Director Children's Aid Society, and a Charter Member Carlingwood Kiwanis. A role model for us all. Predeceased by his wife Margery and his brother Arthur Lyle Francis (Greta). He will be sadly missed by his second wife Mary Barbara Francis (formerly Penner), his brother Frederick John Francis, his sons John Paul Francis (Marie), Donald Lyle Francis (Helene), his daughter Mary Elaine Francis, his grandsons David Francis (Ilona), Casey Francis (Jennifer), Andrew Francis (Serena), Michael Francis and his granddaughters Elizabeth Anne Francis (Mark Carter), Margo Villa (Matthew), and Marnie Francis. He had the joy of seeing four great-grandchildren born and lived in expectation of more. Donations to the charity of your choice and/or the Canadian Cancer Society, in lieu of flowers. Visitation will be at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa, on Thursday, January 25, 2007 from 7:00-9:00 pm, Friday, January 26 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at the Unitarian Church, 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa, at 3:00pm, followed by a reception.