Charlie John Francis

Charlie John Francis, 61, passed away July 10, 2015, at Alaska Native Medical Center surrounded by family.

Visitation is at 11 a.m., July 17, at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Fairbanks, with a service to follow at noon. A burial service is at 11 a.m., July 20, in Anchorage at Anchorage Memorial Park, where he will be buried by his grandmother, Old Bella.

Charlie was born Feb. 6, 1954, to Simon and Bella Francis. He was raised in Fort Yukon and lived his recent years in the Mat-Su Valley.

On August 23, 1983, Charlie married Charlene Beachy. They had three children, Joshua, Crystal, and Chad.

Charlie was a talented native artist whose work can be seen all over Alaska. He made snowshoes, ivory and baleen bracelets, carvings, fishwheels, etc.

His family wrote, “Charles had quite the sense of humor. He taught Josh to trap his first lynx. He loved to talk to people about the Bible, which he knew very well. He had a deep love for the cabin on the Porcupine, Old Village. He had a way of connecting and caring for people on the street. He loved to play games, dominoes and was a champion at pool. He loved to hunt and provide meat for family and friends.”

He is survived by Charlene Francis; their children, Joshua and Kristen, Crystal, and Chad Francis; grandchildren Jentry and Truly; father, Simon Francis Sr.; brothers and sisters, Josephine and Jonathan, Aleta and Stan, Simon Jr. and Norma, and Thomas; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the Yukon Flats. Charlie will be dearly missed by many friends.

The family asks that memorial donations for expenses be sent, or given, to his daughter, Crystal Francis at 2210 Sentry Dr. Apt 24. Anchorage, AK 99507.