Brian John Francis

Our Dad, Brian, was born on 12th February 1950. He was one of 6
children with 4 sisters and a brother.

He met our mum, Jane Jackson, at the 39 club in Bognor Regis, they soon realised they were made for
each other and got engaged. They married on 7th February 1970.

They had 4 daughters, Sarah, their eldest daughter, was born in July 1970, followed by Tracy just
over 2 years later in October 1972, then came Claire in October 1974 and lastly Paula in March
1977.

Dad had several jobs before he became a taxi driver in Bognor
Regis. He was very well known and loved in Bognor. He also played
the french game of Petanque for a local pub and also was part of
the England team at one point.

He was a joker and loved playing tricks on people. He also liked a
flutter on horses and football in particular.

In April 1998 Dad suffered a major stroke and was in hospital for 8 months. Unfortunately the
stroke left Dad unable to walk and talk, he also had very little use of his right side. This didn't
stop Dad though, with the love and tremendous support of Mum, Dad lived life to the full going on
holidays to his favourite destination, Gran Canaria. Dad used to go out into Bognor Regis in his
wheelchair, he was well known in the town by the shop workers, particularly in his favourite coffee
shop, which made it easy to get a cuppa when he needed one. With a shout of “oh boyer”, Dad's
word after his stroke, you always knew when Dad was around.

Dad's 15 grandchildren doted on their grandad and they all meant the world to him. They loved it
when he used to give them lollies from his bedside cabinet.

Christmas was Dad's favourite time of year, he couldnt wait until 1st December to put up the
Christmas Lights on the windows. He loved a real Christmas tree, the bigger the better, with loads
of decorations his and mum's living room was like a grotto. Dad also saved up to go Christmas
Shopping with Tracy to buy mums presents and top of the list would always be a nice comfy pair of
slippers.

Sadly though, our Dad grew ill in summer 2009, after a couple of weeks of being lethargic and tired
and courses of antibiotics, my dad was taken into St. Richards Hospital. After some tests it was
clear that Dad was quite ill. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in September 2009.
This was quite advanced and the doctors made Dad comfortable and after seeing his wife and 4
daughters all together Dad fell asleep peacefully on 13th September and is no longer suffering.

Our Dad touched the hearts of everyone he met. He had an infectious personality and will be sadly
missed by all that knew him.

We Love You Dad and will never forget you

Love Always

Your Daughters

xxxxxx




Dad
Dad...so many images come to mind
whenever I speak your name;
It seems without you in my life
things have never been the same.

What happened to those lazy days
when I was just a child;
When my life was consumed in you
in your love, and in your smile.

What happened to all those times
when I always looked to you;
No matter what happened in my life
you could make my gray skies blue.

Dad, some days I hear your voice
and turn to see your face;
Yet in my turning...it seems
the sound has been erased.

Dad, who will I turn to for answers
when life does not make sense;
Who will be there to hold me close
when the pieces just don't fit.

Oh, Dad, if I could turn back time
and once more hear your voice;
I'd tell you that out of all the dads
you would still be my choice.

Please always know I love you
and no one can take your place;
Years may come and go
but your memory will never be erased.

Today, God, as You are listening
in your home above;
Would you go and find my dad
and give him all my love.