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John Ryan Francis

April 17, 1973-Nov. 30, 2017

Ryan was born in South Lake Tahoe to Steve and Sue Francis. The family moved to Anacortes, Washington in 1974. Ryan graduated in 1992 from Anacortes High School where he was on the football and baseball teams. After graduation, Ryan worked in the automotive industry which took him to Columbia Falls in 2009.

Ryan loved Montana and found a deep connection with the outdoors. He made Columbia Falls his new home where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. It’s said watching Ryan fly fish was like poetry in motion.

He was a beloved member of the Columbia Falls AA community recently celebrating 16 years of sobriety.

Ryan is survived by his partner Cynthia Greer of Columbia Falls; children, Gisseppa and Ryan Francis of Polson; mother Sue (Jim) Wheeler of Anacortes; sister Shayla (Rachel) Francis; aunts and uncles Gina (Jim) Cogan, Brian Sullivan, Leslie Peterson; and numerous cousins. Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Steven Francis and uncle Bruce Peterson.

A memorial service is planned in Whitefish Friday Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 Riverlake Parkway. Gene Farrin (cousin) will be officiating.

An additional memorial service will be held in Anacortes, Washington.