Michael Edward Francis (9 May 1938 - 1 Jun 2023)

Funeral Director

Location
Kemnal Park Crematorium SidcupBypass Chistlehurst BR7 6RR
Date
29th Jun 2023
Time
2pm
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Location
Cray Wanderers FC Sidcup Bypass Chislehurst BR7 6HL
Date
29th Jun 2023
Time
3pm

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In loving memory of Michael Edward Francis who sadly passed away on 1st June 2023

Mike was a very talented artist. After leaving school at the age of 14 he worked at Rome artists studio in Denman Street, Soho until commencing National Service in 1956 becoming the Camp's resident 'Picasso'. He returned to Rome Studios where he stayed until until 1968, when setting up Illustrators London to become one of the country's leading commercial illustrators alongside his lifelong friend Ivan Rose. He became a full-fledged artist in 1974 after winning the 150th Annivesary Poster for the National Gallery, becoming part of the famous Nicholas Treadwell Gallery and began showing his phototealist work all over the world for the next 20 yrs. Alongside all of this he continued with prestigious commisions for a star studded collectors list. Subsequently, throughout the 1990s and 2000s he had shows with Whitford Fine Art, Messums, Panter and Hall, Plus One Gallery in Chelsea and partnered with his best friend Eric Scott at the Galerie des Arts in the South of France. In a lifetime he produced over 5000 works. Outside all of this he was a lover of Chelsea, Horse Racing, Music, Comedy, Film and Cray Wanderers FC whom he supported for over 20 yrs. He was a loving father to Joe and Louise, husband to Caroline, partner of Barbara, stepdad to Yolanta and Nathan, and devoted grandfather to Louis, George, Isabelle and Lily, Taylor and Amber. He shone a light on all those he met. He saw life through an artists eye and the world is sadder place for his passing. R.I.P Mike.

ade cruft wrote

I had the great honour to call Mike my friend mentor and illustrator dad ....i was a junior illustrator at illustrators London ,with mike ,Ivan and Tony ...they not only taught me how to become an illustrator,but how to have fun doing it .
Mike took me under his wing ...and for that i will always owe him ,,He was a true master of his art and most of all A FANTASTIC. GEEZER ....LOVE YOU MATE ...

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  • Hello Ade Could you send me your contact number.. Thanks for your lovely message about Dad. Joe

    Posted by Joe on 1/11/2023 Report abuse
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Nicola Leng lit a candle
Nicola Leng wrote

Ah dear Mick you were a great guy! A brilliant artist and genuinely nice bloke! I remember our chats when you went past The Beehive and we sat at different tables incase your dog went on the turn! Was that because I am a Westham supporter?
You’ll be missed by everyone! Much love RIP Nikki and Graham Leng Xx

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Louis H wrote

Dear Grandad, I don’t think I can really put into words how great your were in so many ways. Watching me grow from a young kid to a man, always laughing joking & never not entertaining. I learnt more from you than you could ever imagine, down to your artistic fine attention to detail within your art, all the way to sit up straight & remember my manners at the table. You were so many things to so many people, friend, associate, manager to people who bought your paintings. But to me, you was the best Grandad anyone could ask for. Your art, spirit & energy will continue to live in through me & our family forever. So therefore it’s not goodbye, it’s until we meet again. I love ya Lou

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John Prior wrote

You've been a great and kind friend to me Mike, over all the years I've had the great privilege to know you. Such an inspiring and tallented artist. I'll miss our chats, and your humour, warmth and encouragement. Thank you Mike - love you mate, and always will.

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Joe Francis lit a candle
Joe Francis wrote

I've lost my best friend. Love you forever Dad. Xxx

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Liz Swift lit a candle
Liz Swift wrote

What a neighbour to have for 39 years, we waved at each other, exchanged 'V' signs and chatted 'til there were tears of laughter. A mimic par excellence, a wealth of stories and great kindness. The world will be a much duller place without you but I bet Heaven is rocking. Thank you for years of fun

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Tony Wilson wrote

Farewell and bonjour mick
You were a lovely , funny & talented man
Great memories , mostly dominated by football!
School football, erith & belvedere , Chelsea, cray and the inevitable England failures at pinewood
RIP X
Ps my old man ‘arresting’ you for stealing a chicken under your jumper in Eltham m&s and the way you went along with it still cracks me up

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Mathew Ingham wrote

The creative world has lost another great, but blessed to have had Mike at all.

Rest in peace. M xx

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Mathew Ingham lit a candle
Andy Shaill is attending the funeral
Kim Stoner wrote

I've known you both since I've lived over the Road from you over 24years. Mike you made us laugh loved your Christmas cards of your art. R.I.P Mike sadly missed from Kim Graham mat and dave

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Cliff and Lesley Murray wrote

So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing and sorry we can’t be there for the funeral. In the few years we knew him and shared time together in Italy he brought us so much laughter and joie de vivre. We have several of his works on our walls; they are eternal reminders of those happy times. RIP you legend.

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George Holmes wrote

Grandad, you were the best grandad in the world because you made me laugh every time I saw you. I loved always coming to see you and all your great artwork and Molly and Django and Barbara. I was always excited to see you at dads because you made me feel better before I’d seen you and felt happy after. From Chelsea to Cray Wanderers we shared a lot together. From playing footy at Cray, to getting chips and laughing all the time. I’ll always keep your memory alive including the CRAP CARDS.Com that you used to send for my birthday and Christmas. So funny. You were so talented. Rest in Peace Grandad love you George. Xxx

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Stephen Jeffery wrote

Mike Francis, great guy, great fun , great talent ,great friend , greatly missed , Bon voyage our friend, Lots of Love Diane and Steve. XXX

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Kerry Phillips lit a candle
Lin & John McFadden wrote

It was a pleasure knowing you mick, we used to have lots of laughs together, never a dull moment with you around. It was a privilege knowing you my friend. God Bless you always xxx

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Daphne King lit a candle
Lee Spellward wrote

Ah Mick I’ve know you all my life, you are one of the funniest men I’ve ever known. So many stories and memories I have from days playing for Bexley District with Joe and my dad and you being at every game, even crashing the motor in the car park once
As I grew up, whenever I saw you it was always joy
I’m gonna rally miss you Mick, but me and Joe will keep your memory alive. Xxx
One of a kind

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Sean Mcfadden wrote

Such a legend of a man. Such a talented kind person. Will miss your humour , quick wit and just being you.
We will always remember the times at football, good and bad.

RIP Mick

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Ian Jenkins posted a picture
Ooh ahh

Ooh ahh

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Daph and Lou and Lou King lit a candle
Daph and Lou and Lou King wrote

Dear Mike we will always cherish fond memories of you throughout our lives stating fromRome Studio days . Rest in peace Mikewith love from us both

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Marianne Amy lit a candle
Stephen Blendell wrote

R.I.P Mick.. Had a few chats with him over the years. Fondly remember his smile and a very strong handshake.
Condolences Joe and family

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Louise Francis posted a picture
Dad’s beautiful painting on my bedroom wall. Perfect colours.

Dad’s beautiful painting on my bedroom wall. Perfect colours.

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Chris Kite wrote

A neighbour for over 20 years, a mutual love for Chelsea football club & all things relating to the game, as a black cab driver I enjoyed our chats mick reminiscing about soho back in the days & all that went with it from music to the arts... a great story teller & he had lots to tell.. a great man you’ll be missed..

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Barrie Thomas wrote

An accomplished artist. He was always, welcoming, loving, and above all, funny.
He not only had the talent for art, but possessed the ability to have you eye wateringly howling, at the most inopportune moment, at the most auspicious occasion.
It was both an honour and a pleasure, to attend many an exhibition of his.
Rest well Mr. Francis, and sending peace, strength, love, light and grace to those you leave behind.

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