Armstrong, Francis Leo

Mr. Francis Leo Joseph Armstrong, age 79 years, a resident of Grandview Lodge and formerly from the Slate River Area passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, September 25, 2001 with his family by his side. Francis was born August 9, 1922 in Stratton, Ontario. He moved with his family to Fort Frances to live. Fran joined the R.C.A.F. in 1942serving in England for three years and was discharged October 15, 1945. He came to Thunder Bay with his wife Helen and was employed at the railroad and Kellogg's Dairy. Fran moved out to Slate River in 1963 where he and his wife enjoyed the country living. He belonged to the Royal Canadian Legion Ortona Branch 113 for over fifty years. He was a parishioner at St. Agnes Church. Family was the most important thing in Fran's life. Family gatherings were happiest times for him when he could enjoy the company of his much loved nieces and nephews. Everyone enjoyed his company specially his niece Lynn and her family, he was so, so special to them. But your spirit will live on in their hearts forever. Fran and his best friend Frank Skuta had a lot of great times together which he will sadly miss. He also loved to go to camp with Lynn's family and always caught a limit of fish. He was very good in History and his niece Lynn would like to be his partner in Trivial Pursuit. He loved Irish music and dancing which he did very well. Fran is survived by his brothers Alvin (Grace) of Fort Frances, Philip (Evelyn) of Trenton, sisters Margaret Poitras of Winnipeg, Helen Lindholm of Seattle and Maureen (Bill) Fontyn of Smith Falls, sister-in-laws Molly Armstrong of Atikokan, Lillian Armstrong of Fort Frances, Rita Armstrong of Thunder Bay, Niece Lynn (Ralph) Feser of Thunder Bay as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Fran was predeceased by his wife Helen in 1993 whom he had spent 45 loving years, his mother Elizabeth and father Thomas, brothers Vincent, Bernard and Gerard. Cremation has taken place at his request. A memorial service will take place on Friday, September 28, 2001 at 12:10 p.m when friends and family will gather for Mass of the Resurrection in St. Agnes Church. celebrated by Rev. Francis Pudicherry. If friends desire, they may donate in memory of Frances Armstrong to the Alzheimer Society or to the Canadian Cancer Society. This is My Wish for You Uncle Fran. May you have:A World of Wishes at your CommandGod and His Angels Close at HandFriends and Family Their Love ImpartAnd a Irish Blessing in Your HeartLove LynnA tree will be planted in memory of Francis Armstrong in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 23, 2002.On-line condolences May be sent towww.tbaytel.net/blakes