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Bruce Francis Obituary
Bruce John Francis was a native to Wellington, New Zealand but has been local to the Santa Cruz County for more than 30 years. His first passion in life was tennis, in turn this passion became a phenomenal talent, which took him across the globe playing and teaching alike as well as winning numerous prestigious competitions. He was a member of the Seascape Tennis Club and cherished the many friends he made during the several years of his time there. He also had a love for singing and was gifted with an incredible vocal range. For more than 14 years, he has worked in the insurance industry as a successful financial advisor. He passed away suddenly at Dominican Hospital on January 28, 2010 following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Bruce would have celebrated his 56th birthday on February 1st. As a committed Christian, he attended Twin Lakes Church and was eagerly awaiting meeting His Maker as well as joining his wife in heaven.
He is survived by his beloved daughter, Chloe Francis of Aptos, his mother, Marie Francis of New Zealand, his sisters Julie Tosswill and Sheryn Francis of New Zealand as well as a host of extended family and friends. Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Kimberly Jackson Francis in 1994, and his father John Francis in 2005. A memorial will be later in the week and a private committal will take place at Soquel Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his dear wife, Kimberly. The family asks that any kind acts of charity be made in Bruce's name to The Salvation Army of Santa Cruz County.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Francis
Carol Gibson
February 27, 2010
Bruce was a cool cousin. I was proud to speak of my cousin Bruce who moved to America and was a great tennis player and coached with the worlds best tennis players. My memories of Bruce which I admired were his handsomeness’, his tan, his groovy music fondness and knowledge of the rhythm and words of the seventies music as I grew up his younger annoying cousin. He was funny, witty and made me laugh. I remember he was very deep, private and had a passionate wisdom of what he believed in. I felt sad for his loss of his beautiful Kim but happy for his love he shared with his daughter Chloe. I will miss my cousin Bruce’s visits.
Bruce’s cousin Carol is your cousin too Chloe. Thinking of you Chloe with love and sadness for your loss of your lovely Dad and a great guy.
Aroha,
Carol
Gary Petersen
February 15, 2010
Dear Chloe
Bruce and I were in a small group of best friends as young men in Wellington, NZ. We spent all our time together in the weekends and went away on holidays together. I always enjoyed Bruce's dry sense of humour and his generous and caring nature.
It was great to be invited to a family occasion last year to meet up again with my old mate and rekindle the memories of the fun times we had together when we were young. It was a special night to us both. Thanks Sheryn.
Very sad to hear of Bruce's passing. It will be a great loss to you and your family and my heart goes out to you all.
Lori Aitken
February 11, 2010
Dear Chloe,
I was heartbroken tonight when I heard of your dad's passing. You both always have had a special place in my heart. You are such a special girl - although I know you're a beautiful woman now. I treasure the fun and laughter we had together years ago....You are in my prayers. May God fill the sadness in your heart. Love you, Lori Aitken xoxo
Al, Nadine, Piper, Mia, Ava and Mitchell Kilmister
February 7, 2010
What an inspiring love he had for his wife, his daughter and his saviour.
Sadly missed.
February 4, 2010
Dear Chloe,
I met your Dad when he came home (NZ) for Christmas some years ago. I am a close friends of your aunt Sheryn, and my daughter Eve,is your Dads 3rd cousin, a distant relative I know but related all the same.Bruce and I shared a birth month and age and had very similar memories of our teen years growing up in Wellington.His passing is a big shock and seems a cruel blow to you and your Kiwi family who have suffered already from the sad passing of your cousin Amy and your granddad.I hope and pray that life is kinder to you in the coming years, and you are able to celebrate your Wedding with happiness and joy knowing that your Dad is with your Mum and that you meant everything to him.I know your deep faith will help you through this sad time, and the love of your family will keep you strong. Kind thoughts Chloe. Much love Viv & Eve Stevens. (wellington NZ)
Valerie, Rupert & Emmanuelle Dehaene-Gold
February 4, 2010
All my love and courage to you dear Chloe! X
February 3, 2010
I met Bruce's mother and sister,when we were seated next to eachother on a flight from Wellington to Sydney. When I told her I was headed home to Aptos California. She proceeded to tell me about her lovely,talented son who also lived there. I looked Bruce up not long after returning home. I had the joy of getting accquainted with him over the next few months. I fell in love with his wit,humor,the man, and a shared experiential faith in Christ. His favorite subjects were his daughter Chloe, his wife Kim, sisters and family. I have never ever met a father so proud of his daughter. The one thing we shared,was a lingering grief over the loss of loved ones. I had recently lost my mother tragically. I know from our conversations that he believed in eternity,that one day God would wipe all the tears from our eyes, mend once and for all our broken hearts, and reunite us all again. I will continue to keep you dear family in my prayers in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Lynn Mcaninch Cole
He will not be forgotten.
Kelly McCord
February 2, 2010
Bruce was a fun (and silly) uncle, and a good daddy, (with an amazingly beautiful daughter to show for it), and our family will dearly miss him.
Joyce Tarter Rideout
February 2, 2010
Bruse has been a good friend @ TLC as well as @ the tennis club. He will be missed. It's a joy to know that Bruce is heaven with his Savior and famiy that has preceeded him.
robyn kilmister - martin
February 2, 2010
my thoughts are with all the family,
he will be sadly missed.
Sheryn Francis
February 2, 2010
To my Dear Brother Bruce,
You always made me laugh with your goonie grin and wicked sense of humour, I will always cherish the special times and was so lucky to be your little Sister. Rest in peace with Kim, Amy and Dad. Sheryn, Wellington
Stu Kilmister
February 2, 2010
Rest in peace, John
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