Alan Russell Francis

It is with deep sadness we announce Alan Russell Francis, late of Weyburn, SK passed away March 17, 2023 at the age of 66 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Margaret Francis.

Alan is survived by his daughter Tanis Francis; his son Marc Robertson; sisters, Gloria Robertson and family Jena Robertson; Rena (John) Pearson and family: Brett Pearson and family, Mat Pearson and family; as well as his best friend Ted Siwy.

Alan was born in Kindersley, SK and started helping his dad at a young age at their families business, Francis Brake and Tire. That would have been what started his love for vehicles! Alan restored many vehicles throughout his lifetime, including a maroon colored 1932 Chev named Jane. He attended many car shows with his restored vehicles and won trophies, etc. It was definitely a pride and joy of his!

Al and his dad, Russ had a huge heart for yellow lab dogs. They had one of their dogs bred and donated three of the puppies that qualified to Canine Vision Canada. Al has supported and sponsored Guide Dogs ever since! 

When Al wasn’t fixing cars or working as a town administrator, he was an avid fisherman and hunter. He made the best deer jerky! He also stocked fish in a reservoir at Rafferty Dam after it was flooded. The hunting and fishing stories Al had could have went on for days!

Al suffered with chronic pain from the age of 16, when a tractor tire he was changing fell on his back and crushed his discs together. He was one of the first patients in Canada to have a deep brain stimulator put in for pain management, and he also had a morphine pump to control the pain. Even with those to help, it still wasn’t enough and Al suffered in pain each and every day. It affected his nerves and as he aged, it got worse. We are all thankful he doesn’t have to suffer and be in pain any longer. That is a blessing!

A Private Family Service will be held in Kindersley, SK at a later date.

A Coffee & Cookie Time in memory of Alan will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at:1: 00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. from the Wheatland Senior Centre, 888 ~ 1st Avenue N.E., Weyburn, SK. 

We would like to thank Weyburn Home Care, Meals on Wheels and numerous friends and family that have helped take care of Alan over the years. Your help was appreciated more than you know. 

A big thank you to Al’s special friend, Ted Siwy and his dog Rocky. Ted and Rocky were always there for Al, taking him to Regina for pump fill ups, bringing him groceries, getting Al out of the house for coffee time, etc. Al loved Rocky as if it was his own dog, and Rocky loved him just the same!

Tanis had a silly nickname for her dad and she wanted to share it here for everyone to know. It was a big part of their daily conversations. - “Squirrel Dad”

In lieu of flowers, for family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Alan may be made to the British Columbia & Alberta Guide Dogs, 7061 Ladner Trunk Road, Delta, BC, V4K 3N3 or Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation, 2217C Hanselman Court, SK, S7L 6A8.

Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, SK  (848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfuneralchapel.com “Honouring Life and Celebrating Memories."