PLEASANT POINT, INDIAN TOWNSHIP and DENNYSVILLE – Bruce A. Francis, 56, passed over into his spiritual destination Aug. 4, 2006, in Skowhegan after a long and courageous journey. Bruce was born March 27, 1950, in Eastport, to the late Joe and Edna (LaCoute) Francis and the late Christopher Altavater Sr. of Pleasant Point. He was blessed to have had the late Walter and Phyllis Sylvia as foster parents, who provided a loving home to children in Dennysville. Through his journey in life, Bruce served in the U.S. Army from 1969 until 1971, during which time he served in the Vietnam War. He continued with the Army National Guard until 1975, graduated from the Maine Military Academy as a second lieutenant and was honorably discharged in 1980. Bruce graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with an associate’s degree in forestry and then worked as the director of Indian Township Forestry Department. He worked closely with Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Senate and other federal and state government agencies to better the forestry program. Bruce also worked for many years and took great pride in performing the duties as a deputy for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. He was a very loving, caring, energetic and stubborn man to all who knew him. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, the woods and traveling until his illness. He is survived by many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; his loving foster sister, Linda Milbury and husband, David, of Portland; his “Pride and Joys,” Jennifer Apt (Francis) of Indian Township, Scott Francis and wife, Nancy, of Indian Township, Hannah Francis of Orrington, Bradford Francis of Orrington and their mother, Rebecca Brillant and her daughter, Allie and family also of Orrington, who remained good friends and were there to support him in his later years. He was blessed with three beautiful grandchildren, Brittany, Nathan and Courtney; special and dear friends, Randy Guptill of Oregon, Paul and Karen Doten of Holden, Bruce Burr of Michigan and their families; and many more loved ones, friends and families. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. A traditional tribal viewing will be held 9 a.m. Monday, Aug, 7, until Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Mary (Jackie) Francis’s residence, 21 Ball Point Rd., Pleasant Point. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. There will be no graveside burial at this time. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais. Friends may pay tribute at www.maysfuneralhome.com
BRUCE A. FRANCIS
