CAPTAIN JEFFERSON CLIFFORD FRANCIS

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CAPTAIN JEFFERSON CLIFFORD FRANCIS On July 4, 2007, Captain Jefferson Clifford Francis, 36, died while serving with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan when his armored vehicle was destroyed by a large land mine. He will be greatly missed by his wife Sylvie Secours, son Ry Logan Secours-Francis (8 months); mother Marion Murray; father Russ Francis; sister Mica Francis and brother-in-law Aaron MacDonald; aunts, Marilyn Murray and husband Mike Williams of Cambridge Narrows NB; Melanie Murray and sons, Damian and Gabriel of Kelowna, BC; great-aunts, Pearl Charman and Florence Waugh of Wallace and Malagash, NS; grandfather Herbert Francis; aunt Peggy Francis; uncles, Butch, Rocky and David Francis of Chilliwack, BC and many cousins; mother and father-in-law Diane and Gaetan Secours, and brother-in-law Marc and nephew Dakota of Ottawa. Jeff obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, a Masters of Arts in Canadian Studies, and was pursuing a PhD at Carleton University when he was drawn to the Army in 2001. He was a serious student of world and military history, pop culture, philosophy and art history. Jeff loved participating in sports and physical challenges, especially the Army Mountain Man Competition and martial arts, Jujitsu and Grappling. Jeff loved his wife, son and family preferring to spend vacations with them in the Maritimes. Jeff had many military and civilian friends across Canada who will also miss him. His deep humanitarian beliefs inspired his commitment to provide the security needed to improve the lives of the people of Afghanistan. A trust fund in the name of Ry Logan Secours-Francis is being established with Scotiabank and contributions can be made at any Scotiabank Branch. Jeff was an Airborne Artillery Officer with 1RCHA based at CFB Shilo. A private funeral with family and close friends is planned.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2007