Obituary of Jensen Francis

Jensen Francis, a respected elder of the Nakoda Nation, passed away peacefully at the Canmore Hospital on Monday, June 21, 2004 at the age of 83 years. Ada was a respected spiritual leader who valued the traditional ways of life. He valued and believed in the sundances and the sweat lodge. In his early days he was a champion Chicken Dancer who traveled to many competitive Powwows around Alberta. Ada loved the outdoors and lived a harmonious life with his family. He enjoyed watching a game of hockey when his sons played. Those who knew Ada will sadly miss him. Jensen is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years Winnie Francis; sons, Rod (Emily) Hunter, Charles (Lorraine) Francis, Benny (Myrna) Francis, and Marvin (Marilyn) Bigstony; adopted son Bill (Annie) Wesley; daughters, Nelda and Sylvia (Gordon) Bigstony; adopted daughters, Mary Jane Wesley, Pearl (Bradley) House and Lorraine (Darryl) Amos; special grandchildren, Clinton (Jolie), Nicholas Francis, Cameron Hunter, Vernon (Jarita), Cedric (Rachel), Selwyn (Tanya), Algerie, Lance (Lavern) Bigstony, Arcilla Francis, Kolet (George), Christa (Dallas), Sandy (Rick), Tacey (Emerald), Edith Bigstony, Wyonah (Irvin), Merisha (Rod) Snow, Myrna (Travin) Twoyoungmen, Shanda and Anders Hunter, and Charmaine Kootenay; and thirty-two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his adopted sister of Morley Lucy Poucette; in-laws, Eliza Holloway, Alice (Arthur) Twoyoungmen, May Amos, and Lavina Brown; and friends and relatives, the Wildman family, Poucette family and Kaquitts family and other family members of Ma-Meo, Small Boy Camp, Sunchild, Sarcee, Rocky Boy Montana, and Saskatchewan. We apologize for any family members that we have not mentioned. Jensen was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Mary Jane Francis; brothers, Archie, Eli, Harry, Louie, and Morrison; sister Naola; adopted sister Lilly Benjamin; sons, Terry Francis and Lloyd Bigstony; and daughter Marilyn Two Young Men. Wake Services will be held at Jensen’s home, Morley, AB on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 and Thursday, June 24, 2004. Funeral Services will be held at the Morley School Gymnasium, Morley, AB on Friday, June 25, 2004 at 12:00 P.M. Graveside Service to follow at Wesley Cemetery, Morley, AB. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to thank the Foothills Hospital Unit 61 and the staff at the Canmore Hospital for their generous care of our elder. In living memory of Jensen Francis, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 241-0044.