Rod P. I. Francis

I am so sorry to learn my favorite all time instructor passed, my most memory dive with him was just me and him at Redondo beach, deep dive, I have nothing but my deepest respect for this man, taught me a lot, he will always be my favorite dive instructor, his daughter helped me out as well, great family, will be missed by me greatly.

I met Rod in 1997 at West Coast Divers. I was a new diver, looking to purchase gear. While I was there he suggested that I might want to join a dive club and gave me the newsletter for the Whalers. I took 2 advanced classes from him. He was a great instructor and friend. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family.

I met Rod in 2000 at West Coast Divers Supply when I was 53 and decided to learn scuba. Rod had been teaching at WCDS for nearly 20 years and had taught at Reef Seekers prior. He was a great and patient instructor. Everyone I met in the scuba world knew and admired him, and deservedly so. I and his many other friends will truly miss him.