We Remember

FRANCIS, Thomas Walter

June 29, 1942 — August 10, 2025

On August 10, 2025, at the age of 83, our fun-loving, creative father, Thomas Walter Francis, passed away at the Kelowna Hospice House, with his children by his side. He now joins his family and friends who passed before him.

Thomas was a father of two, husband twice over, brother to five siblings (‘Big Brother’ to the boys), and uncle to many. He was a farm boy, born in Belloy, Peace River, AB. At an early age he moved to Richmond, BC and went on to graduate from Steveston Highschool in 1962. He was first married in 1965 to Linda, and Todd and Charlene were born to them.

In the early ’70s, Thomas and his young family set sights for the Okanagan. He bought a house on a large plot of land in the community of Joe Rich, where he made life-long friendships. In the mid 80s Tom, now divorced, married his second wife Louise (d. 2011) and lived in Casa Loma, before moving to Westbank. He had a career in plumbing and heating for 23 years with the School District #23 and retired at the age of 55.

“Tom Cat”, as he was affectionately known, kept “busy, busy, busy” at all times! He was a music-lover, enjoyed singing and was classically-trained on guitar; sometimes he would perform around the campfire with friends and family. Other activities he was known to engage in included dancing, swimming at Mable Lake at his brother Ted’ family vacation spot, running the trails of Casa Loma, camping and fishing with his brother Lew and skidooing or skiing Big White Mountain with his son and others. Tom loved to travel. He went to Costa Rica many times and took a cruise to Alaska. Over the years, “Farmer Tom” raised horses, goats, chickens, and had a family dog named Lucy.

Dad was a ‘jack of all trades’, he loved canning peaches, baking pies, cooking family dinners, and sharing veggies from the hydroponic garden that he built from scratch. He was also known for his infamous cherry tree! Further activities included his building of a gable roof, the placement of wood shakes on his houses, and the creation of a community ice rink in his backyard. Tom was also a helpful neighbour and would clear driveways in the winter with his makeshift ATV snow plow!

Tom was a “man’s man”, the type of guy who made friends easily, especially with his hockey buddies. Tom, a.k.a. “Redlight”, was a goalie with the Kelowna Cobras Oldtimers team and other teams for over 30 years, of which he saved ALL the rosters for! Tom was sentimental; he kept keepsakes and mementos throughout his life.

You will be loved and missed forever, Dad. A heartfelt thank you to Joanne for your reacquainted love with dad and giving him joy and hope in his final months with us.

Thomas Walter Francis is survived by his two children; two grandchildren; sisters Grace and Fran; brothers Ted and Sidney Louis “Lew”; three stepchildren; and two step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Sidney and Delma; sister Lorna; and second wife Louise.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Tom’s name to The War Amps.

There will be no formal service, family and friends will honour Thomas, each in their own way.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Condolences

  • Shayne Varey says:
    August 20, 2025 at 1:37 pm

    Charlene and Todd. Your father brought great memories and joy to alot of people. My fondest times were spent in Joe Rich at your home. Were I would be on that skating rink till the wee hours where I had to get pulled off. 🙂 . And to the chickens with uncle Tom and auntie Linda chopping heads and us all chasing headless chickens..lol ( for food ) or my father ( brother-in-law to Tom) duck hunting all the time.
    May he rest peacefully now.

    Reply
  • Beverly Varey says:
    August 20, 2025 at 5:18 pm

    What a wonderful tribute to your Dad❤️ It really describes your Dad and his wonderful life full of family and friends. I remember all the fun times, snow mobiling in Joe Rich, bon fires and fire works for New Years. Uncle Jim and I were always at your house having dinner, and lots of laughs. You are missed Tom, rest in peace.

    Reply
  • Sheila says:
    August 20, 2025 at 5:47 pm

    Charlene and Todd; Thank you for sharing memories of your Dad…I knew him back in the early years, he was always kind and very funny. Loved hearing more about him. A life well lived. Hugs to the family. 💗🐞

    Reply
  • Mark Beaulieu says:
    August 20, 2025 at 5:52 pm

    Hello Francis family , It is with great emotion that I see the passing of a great man . Tom was our neighbor , friend and team mate up in the Joe rich community and he was a big part of things up there . The iced rinks were infamous and I remember the community gatherings at the fire hall as some of my best memories of those days. I could be wrong but I think Tom made a mean rabbit stew for the pot luck dinners! Tom you will be missed and are forever in our hearts. My heart goes out to the family at this time – Mark Beaulieu

    Reply
  • Michelle Godmaire says:
    August 28, 2025 at 12:05 am

    So many fond memories of Uncle Tom.
    He was fun, boisterous, with a wicked sense of humour, a big smile, and the best laugh. I’ll always remember the best winter fun playing hockey on his homemade skating rink, and all the laughter and joy he brought to every moment. The summer of 1975 spent with the Francis family is filled with memories I will always cherish.
    Rest in peace, Uncle Tom — see you down that dusty road someday.

    With love and sympathy to Todd and Charlene,
    Michelle

    Reply
  • Michelle says:
    August 28, 2025 at 12:08 am

    Uncle Tom never short of a smile!

    Reply

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