R.I.P. Mike Francis

[Muncle]

Whether you realize it or not, we all lost a good friend and a helluva neighbor on Wednesday when Mike Francis passed away. Y'all can read today's paper and get just an idea what this man has done for TV, Lady Lake, and Sumter County.
http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2009/03/13/news/news01.txt

Curt Hills did his usual good writing and reporting, but one aspect of Mike that just didn't come through strong enough for me was that Mike Francis was a really nice guy. I didn't know him all that real well personally, we had more of a passing acquaintance. I heard Mike speak on Sumter County issues a number of times and had the opportunity to sit with him several times and very informally discuss national, state, and local politics, as well as all things Villages. He really, really loved The Villages and his neighbors.

I don't know if Mike even knew me by name, but I think he kinda recognized me and always treated me with respect. I did have the opportunity to play in a golf scramble with Mike and his lovely wife Pat a few years ago, Not saying that Mike was bad, but all agreed he much better as a commissioner than a golfer. But most importantly, we all laughed and thoroughly enjoyed the day. As I said, Mike Francis was just a really nice guy who will be sorely missed.





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[Bucco]

Whether you realize it or not, we all lost a good friend and a helluva neighbor on Wednesday when Mike Francis passed away. Y'all can read today's paper and get just an idea what this man has done for TV, Lady Lake, and Sumter County.
http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2009/03/13/news/news01.txt

Curt Hills did his usual good writing and reporting, but one aspect of Mike that just didn't come through strong enough for me was that Mike Francis was a really nice guy. I didn't know him all that real well personally, we had more of a passing acquaintance. I heard Mike speak on Sumter County issues a number of times and had the opportunity to sit with him several times and very informally discuss national, state, and local politics, as well as all things Villages. He really, really loved The Villages and his neighbors.

I don't know if Mike even knew me by name, but I think he kinda recognized me and always treated me with respect. I did have the opportunity to play in a golf scramble with Mike and his lovely wife Pat a few years ago, Not saying that Mike was bad, but all agreed he much better as a commissioner than a golfer. But most importantly, we all laughed and thoroughly enjoyed the day. As I said, Mike Francis was just a really nice guy who will be sorely missed.





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Well said Muncle. He is one that this area will miss for sure. Only met him twice but even so in reading the paper this morning I had the empty feeling that you sort of reserve for those you know WELL. That is the impact Mike had on folks. His smile will be missed along with all his accomplishments !

[Muncle]

A Memorial Service will be held for Mike Francis on Tuesday, March 17th at
10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (5323 E. CR 462) in
Wildwood. A reception will be held following the service at Colony Cottage
Rec. Center (510 Colony Blvd) in The Villages.

In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made in memory of Mike Francis to
the Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, 32162 or to the
American Cancer Society, 1650 W. Main St., Unit 3, Leesburg, 34748.






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