Francis Peter Pouls

Francis passed away peacefully on September 15, 2007 at the home of his daughter in Santa Cruz. He was 85. Frank was a pilot, a salesman, a writer, a joke-teller, a sports-lover, a music-lover, a dancer, a golfer, a traveler, a loving husband, a great father, a loyal friend and a true lover-of-life. His motto was, "Shake the tree!" "The best fruit is at the top so you have to shake the tree to get it down. . ."

Francis was born to Dutch immigrant parents on July 9, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan. When he was 7, his family moved to Pasadena where he graduated from Wilson High School lettering in five different sports. He worked as a bank teller for one year before the gathering clouds of war changed his and many others' plans.

For the next two years, Francis was trained as an Air Force pilot. He flew Steermans, P-38's, B-24's and was eventually sent to Hawaii to await further instructions. Subsequently, he led his famous "L'il Audrey" B-24 on forty combat missions in the Pacific that involved Truk, Iwo Jima and other islands. During this time, Francis earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Air Medals and escaped death on numerous occasions. After the 40th mission he was asked to take L'il Audrey and his crew on a War Bonds tour throughout the entire U.S. where they were treated as heroes and given the red carpet treatment.

After the war, Francis flew for TWA and met Kathleen Prausa who became his beloved wife for the next 42 years. Together they raised four children while Francis worked in insurance and financial planning. He began with Prudential, moved to Allstate and eventually formed his own successful insurance brokerage business with partners in Mountain View. He moved his family from San Mateo to Sunnyvale to Boulder Creek.

Everyone who encountered Francis left with a smile on their face. He was an inspiration to all. He was a firm believer in positive attitude and his jokes and stories lifted the hearts of many. He was particularly adept at listening to the stories of others and connecting with them at a deeper level. His wife, his family, his friends, the Giants, the 49'ers, travel, golf and music-these were the happenings and passions of his life. He lived life openly and fully from his heart. He truly "shook the tree!"

Francis is survived by his brother Michael Pouls of Carmel, his stepsister Patricia Bradanini of Vacaville, his stepson Michael Kelly of San Francisco, his son Christopher Pouls of Aromas, his daughter Kathleen Pouls of Santa Cruz, his son Gregory Pouls of Hilo, Hawaii, his stepgrandson Tohon Thacker and his grandchildren Melody Allegra Pouls and Jazz Sebastian Pouls.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Francis Wednesday, November 14th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Pacific Gardens Chapel at 1050 Cayuga Street in Santa Cruz. The family would like to express deep, heartfelt gratitude to Hospice Caring Project and would prefer that in lieu of flowers, all donations be made to them at 940 Disc Drive, Scott's Valley, CA 95066.