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In loving memory of Francis Grill
With sad and heavy hearts we announce that Francis Conrad Grill passed peacefully, one day before his 75th birthday, on March 8, 2023. He was a fiercely independent and genuine character with a sharp wit, a kind heart and solid, unshakable faith. He is predeceased by his father & mother, Tony & Elizabeth Grill, and his brother-in-law and friend, Don Stratilo. He loved unconditionally, and is deeply missed by the love of his life and best friend, Lois, and his children Brock (Michelle), Regan (Kent) and Lindsay (Janene) and grandchildren, Qwynn, Aarus, Chiara, and Norah. He is survived by his 3 siblings, Rosemary Stratilo, Jim (Gloria) Grill and Randy (Trudy) Grill of Regina, SK.
When he was 17, Francis left the family farm at Arbuthnot, SK to attend school and to play sports at Notre Dame in Wilcox, SK. There he completed his high school and Bachelor of Arts. He then completed his Education Degree at the University of Regina where he met Lois. They were married in 1974. He had a successful career for 33 years as a school Administrator and Teacher (elementary, middle, and secondary) in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
With his creative questions and wealth of information about politics, religion and other volatile topics, Francis would easily spark the passion of others creating very interesting, and often heated, discussions. In other words, he loved to “stir the pot”. He was a dedicated and passionate sports fan and remained loyal to his teams over his lifetime, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saskatchewan Rough Riders, LA Dodgers, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His favourite sports shirt read, “Play like a Champion”. He also spent time coaching basketball and football in school and baseball in the community.
Perhaps his greatest dedication to sports and his favourite team was his kids. He could always be counted on, any day of the week, for a game of catch, pitching practice or hitting fly balls. Fran consistently spent countless hours watching his kids play hockey, ringette, baseball, softball, and basketball. And of course, there was always a bonus coaching session on the car ride home!
He loved to walk, cycle, play bridge, cook, and practice Tai Chi. Fran was also an avid yoga practitioner long before yoga was an “in” thing. We remember him doing head stands in the living room! He especially loved to create a vegetable garden and in his later years shared garlic with anyone who showed an interest.
In 2003 Fran & Lois moved to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island and Fran couldn’t get enough of his favourite golf course, Morningstar. His courage and resilience in dealing with chronic back pain and Parkinson's inspired his family, friends and many in the community. We love you Fran...best of luck on the back nine!
Thank you to everyone who has surrounded our family in beauty and love with flowers, food, cards, emails and calls. A special thank you to Dr. Coyle and Dr. McIlwaine. In recognition of Fran’s excellent care at NRGH and in lieu of flowers, those who wish to, can donate in his memory to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, http://https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/memorial-tribute-donation/ or to the Parkinson Society of BC.