Bernard L. Francis

Brasher Falls - Bernard L. "Bun" Francis, 85, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, September 23, 2012 at Massena Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Arrangements are entrusted with the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Bernard was born on August 10, 1927 in Massena, son of the late Leo M. and Hazel R. (Vice) Francis. He attended Brasher Stockholm Schools and served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps. On May 9, 1947, he married Eileen C. Daoust at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls with Fr. John Cotter officiating. Eileen passed away on July 15, 2006. Bun worked for 34 years at Elliott's Agway in Winthrop. Bun enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, tending to his garden and flowers and camping. He liked to play the harmonica for his grandkids. He is survived by two daughters, Susan Ryan and Joanne Lavine, both of Winthrop, his grandchildren: Jody and Lise' Lavine of Honeybrook, PA, Chuck and Jaclyn Collins of Brasher Falls, Jamie and Deborah Sutton of Winthrop, Chad and Michelle Gauthier of Winthrop, and Daniel Ryan of Massena, one sister and brother in law, Martha and George Lawrence of Monticello, IN, a sister in law, Mary Jane Francis of Lisbon, his great grandchildren: Kyle Ryan, Tommy Ryan, Taylor Gauthier, Bailee Gauthier, Jake Sutton, Emma Sutton, Hannah Lavine, Andre' Lavine, Luke Collins, and Sydney Collins. Always close to his heart was his wife, grandson, Jamie Lavine, great grandson, Jacoby Ryan, sons in law, Carl Lavine and Thomas Ryan, and his brothers, Bertram "Bert", Leo Jr., Lloyd and Charles, who predeceased him. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Bun's funeral service and Celebration of life will be Wednesday at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls at 1pm. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Brasher Falls. Those wishing to express an act of kindness, please consider donations in Bun's memory to Tri Town Rescue Squad, Inc., P. O. Box 238, Brasher Falls, NY 13613. Memories and condolences can be shared with Bun's family at www.hammillfh.com.