JOHN RYAN FRANCIS

April 17, 1973 -
November 30, 2017

John Ryan Francis, known as Ryan, left this life on November, 30, 2017 at his home in Columbia Falls, Montana.

Ryan was born in South Lake Tahoe to Steve and Sue Francis. The family moved to Anacortes, WA in 1974 where Ryan spent the next 18 years attending elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools graduating in 1992. While in high school, Ryan was a part of the football and baseball teams. Ryan was especially known for his great big smile while cruising Commercial Avenue in his "red" Celica.

Ryan started working at Frontier Ford as a lot boy, progressing up into the service department. Ryan stayed with the automotive industry where he took a job at DePratu Ford in Whitefish, Montana as the service manager.

Ryan loved Montana and found a deep connection with the outdoors. He made Columbia Falls his new home where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. While not the Puget Sound he grew up enjoying, the rivers there were where Ryan cultivated his love of fly fishing, even tying his own flies. Strictly catch and release, Ryan gave back as much to the environment as he received.

Ryan was a beloved member of the Columbia Falls AA community, recently celebrating 16 years of sobriety.

Ryan is survived by his children Gisseppa and Ryan Francis of Polson MT, partner Cynthia Greer of Columbia Falls MT, mother Sue (Jim) Wheeler of Anacortes WA, sisters Shayla (Rachel) Francis and Kelly Wheeler, nephew Ryan Wheeler, aunts and uncle Gina (Jim) Cogan, Leslie Peterson, Brian Sullivan and numerous cousins.

Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Steven Francis and uncles Bruce Peterson and Michael Beck.

A memorial service will be held on January 6, 2018 at 11 am at New Hope Christian Fellowship, at 1319 35th St., Anacortes, WA.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or New Hope Christian Fellowship.