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Don Francks
1932 - 2016
Don Francks
1932 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1932
DIED
2016
Don Francks Obituary
His agent, Jennifer Goldhar, confirmed his death Monday.
The Canadian actor was born in 1932. He started out as a jazz musician and vocalist. He moved to Toronto and became a regular on many CBC television series including “Riding High.” He had guest roles on many popular Hollywood TV series including “Mission: Impossible,” “Mannix,” and “Wild Wild West.”
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His movie appearances included a starring role opposite Fred Astaire in “Finian’s Rainbow” in 1968.
He married Lili Francks and moved with her to Red Pheasant First Nation where his name was Iron Buffalo. His wife is a member of the Plains Cree First Nation. His daughter, Cree Summer, is an actress. She is known best for her regular role on the sitcom “A Different World,” which ran from 1987 to 1993.
Francks' best-known role was as Walter on the hit TV series “La Femme Nikita.” He was featured in all 96 episodes of the series, which ran from 1997 until 2001 on the USA Network.
34 Entries
TONY READ - SONGWRITER *rabbits-cover for song called s e c r e t s
December 1, 2023
i think the world of you Don...a truly great actor and musician...singer...gads you were spectacular as "Walter' in Le Femme Nikita...i became a friend watching all 96 episodes. i hope to see you in the Great Hereafter. Tony Read, songwriter
Michael Palmer
August 1, 2017
I lived with Don and his family in Kitsilano, Vancouver while he was shooting McCabe and Mrs Miller. He was the most interesting, creative and thoughtful man I'd ever me. We spent many hours talking in the kitchen in the small rental home. I'd remembered Don way back in the 60's when he was shooting a RCMP TV show in my neighborhood. It was fascinating to meet him years later. What a life he led. The stories and the people he influenced throughout the years. Hard to be believe he is silenced. I am hoping his journals will some day be published. Never to be forgotten.
July 19, 2017
I just heard about don he was a truly an amazing man down to earth He had a beautiful wife who could sing cree and rainbow sun were verfriendly kind and they were liked rest in peace don you will always be in my heart and greatly missed love you
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Darlene Wallace
January 4, 2017
You may be gone but you will always have a special place in my heart ❤ I loved you as child and miss you dearly. If there is a place that we all go too after life on earth I hope we will meet again. I miss you Don, PEACE
Marie
June 5, 2016
Last memories of Don: Wearing his headband as he walked the dog and checking to see if any more berries were ready to snack on in my neighbour's front yard. I thought I saw him with the dog, walking past our place, just weeks ago. But it couldn't have been so......
Such a delightful man.
Condolences to Don's family in your loss.
A very old neighbour from Tichester, still in the 'hood.
May 23, 2016
Ramona McCants
April 27, 2016
Sorry for your loss. May your family find the comfort needed at this time.
Savanna Yancey
April 24, 2016
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Don was a wonderful actor. I wish I had been blessed enough to meet him. His works have left a permanent mark on my heart and mind. Farewell... Godspeed.
Noni Grice
April 19, 2016
My condolences to the family
April 19, 2016
Very sorry to hear this news today,We spent many hours working on cars and riding our Harleys............many laughs sitting the bench just watching people and then along comes a guy with a cockatoo on his arm.........what memories
Love you
Bill Grice
Gerry Markman
April 8, 2016
My condolences to the family.
Sonya
April 8, 2016
My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to your family. I met Don at a car show in Toronto in 1983. He was surprised that I knew who he was because he said everyone thought he was Willie Nelson. I met him again years later at another car show in Oakville. He sure was a true original, one of a kind. I feel blessed to have met him.
"May the stars carry your sadness away..." Chief Dan George
b mcpeek
April 8, 2016
"i walked along the boardwalk... just above the sand'
rest easy friend, thankx for all the memories.
Cec Skinner
April 7, 2016
Our deepest condolences ,His spirit will be held and felt with great regard , the entertainment industry lost a Icon , Humanity lost a true natural spirit , Having met hisacquaintance in 79 , and brief encounters enjoying his warmth in reception through the years his essence in being held steadfast ,Most recently after wrapping Gangland Undercover , While riding on Queen St ,noticed an old aquaintance , pulled a Uturn ta say hi , Complimented his performance as Lizzard , Mentioned having his eyes onlittle Ironhed While ccomplimenting my ride , A number of months later while riding along Annette St , I passed a beautiful Red Hard tail Sporty in opposite direction , feeling I recognized him ,pulled a U'y ncaught up to him , AAmazing , Don Don Don His enthusiasm collaborated his acquiring The Little Iron head he spoke of the time we spoke Before He was in 7th heaven ,Rite Proud ,With every reason to be , Really looked forward ta seeing him riding her again ,Different scence of pride than his Bentley ,Rolls in cognito as he referred to it , God Rest his Soul , Proud to have had the pleasure to have enjoyed his prescence As many ,Truly will be missed , RIP
s.p. Roberts
April 6, 2016
I'm sorry to learn of your loss,I knew Don for only a few years and have a short video I shot with his yellow race car at Malvern car show about 1990.Don was a friend also of my late father Jim Roberts (1930 Pierce Arrow.) Sherlock Roberts.
April 6, 2016
Please accept my condolences,sorry for your loss of loved one. Psalms 73:26 says " My body and my heart may fail, But God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever"
April 6, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
April 6, 2016
I just watched Finian's Rainbow on Easter. It brought me back to my youth and was one of my favorite movies....I sang all the way through it! Don was a handsome guy in his time!!! R.I.P.
April 6, 2016
To the family of the deceased,may our Heavenly Father be your guide and comforter.condolence,and sympathy to you...
April 5, 2016
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you peace and strength during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
mike Jones
April 5, 2016
His duet with Petula Clark of "Old devil moon" in the Hollywood screen version of "Finian's Rainbow" will live on for generations to come
April 5, 2016
May it comfort you to know that God as well as others care about your loss at this time.
Sincerely,
Harry Simpson
April 5, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
April 5, 2016
Dear Lili, Cree and Rainbow much love to you all; and warm remembrances for the passing of your remarkable hubby and father. xo Cheri
Wright
April 5, 2016
To the Francisco family, friends, colleagues and fans. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of your dear loved one.May your fond memories bring joy to your heart and strengthen you in the difficult days ahead.
K. Florida
April 5, 2016
Dear Lili and Cree: Mr. Francks was a heart working man, abounding in talent and professionalism, who captivated the attention of his fans. My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved husband and father. May our loving Heavenly Father grant you of His strength and comfort to help you endure this difficult moments - for His angel camps all around those fearing Him, and His ears listen the ones calling for his strength...
Darlene Wallace
April 5, 2016
My deepest condolences to Lili over the loss of her life partner & to all of Don's children my heart is breaking for you all.
There will never be another Don Francks ♥ I was blessed to have known him as a child.
I will always have fond memories of this beautiful soul.
Carolyn Murray
April 5, 2016
To The Family,
I am sending my sincerest, heartfelt condolences at your time of bereavement. May God surround you all at this time. I remember his appearances on Mission Impossible, Mannix & Wild Wild West. I also remember his daughter Cree as "Freddie" on a "Different World"; she also appeared in an episode of "Living Single". Cree your father will forever be a part of your life; keep all the memories within your heart, spirit & soul. RIP Mr. Francks
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
April 5, 2016
In God's care, rest in peace.
April 5, 2016
A great actor!
Brief Encounter
Fern Dworkin
April 4, 2016
I met Don at North York eatery. I walked over and introduced myself, commenting on his outstanding performance in Finian's Rainbow.He asked me about myself and I told him I was a musician and singer. He gave me a very poetic autograph and came to hear me perform at Neptune's Cove, Bayview Village.When we chatted during my break, he told me that he disliked Hollywood, respected Fred Astaire and Petula Clark, his costars, and how he fell in love on the set with his wife to be. He adored his kids and was the real deal as a person.His passions were the arts, writing, jazz performance, vintage autos, living every day to the fullest. Lastly, he had integrity to complete everything he committed to, even if he had to pass on a better opportunity.I recently wrote to him about a performance this month at The Jazz Bistro.There was no response due to his illness. I shall always remember him and my brief encounter with a Canadian icon.
Janice Long
April 4, 2016
A word of comfort.He will actually swallow up death forever,and the Lord will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.Isaiah25:8.
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