Michael Francis

I knew Michael all his life. My family lived next door to the Francis family in Stuart Close, Emmer Green, Reading, UK. Michael was born at home and my mother helped with his birth. He was my mother’s favourite of all the children who lived in the Close - he could do no wrong in her eyes. I have many happy memories of our early life in Emmer Green. I remember the street games we played, especially football (soccer) and cricket. For cricket, we used the lamppost in the Close as our wicket. During one of our games the front window of Michael’s house was broken by the cricket ball. Thankfully, I was not the culprit who hit the ball and will not divulge the name of the guilty person! We used to go on long hikes around the surrounding countryside and would not come home until we were hungry for our tea. Michael passed the 11 plus examination and went to Reading School, one of the top schools in the country. We were so proud of his achievement. Michael and his family emigrated to the United States in 1967, initially settling in Springfield, Massachusetts. My wife and I were fortunate enough to visit Michael and his family in Madison a couple of times, together with his brother Stephen and his wife Bea. We spent a lot of the time reminiscing about our life in Emmer Green. Michael was a good friend, and a really nice, humble and thoroughly decent person who will be greatly missed.

I knew Michael all his life. My family lived next door to the Francis family in Stuart Close, Emmer Green, Reading, UK. Michael was born at home and my mother helped with his birth. He was my mother’s favourite of all the children who lived in the Close - he could do no wrong in her eyes. I have many happy memories of our early life in Emmer Green. I remember the street games we played, especially football (soccer) and cricket. For cricket, we used the lamppost in the Close as our wicket. During one of our games the front window of Michael’s house was broken by the cricket ball. Thankfully, I was not the culprit who hit the ball and will not divulge the name of the guilty person! We used to go on long hikes around the surrounding countryside and would not come home until we were hungry for our tea. Michael passed the 11 plus examination and went to Reading School, one of the top schools in the country. We were so proud of his achievement. Michael and his family emigrated to the United States in 1967, initially settling in Springfield, Massachusetts. My wife and I were fortunate enough to visit Michael and his family in Madison a couple of times, together with his brother Stephen and his wife Bea. We spent a lot of the time reminiscing about our life in Emmer Green. Michael was a good friend, and a really nice, humble and thoroughly decent person who will be greatly missed.

As Michaels younger brother he was larger than life in many ways. There are too many memories to recount. For probably 5 years I was the annoying younger brother. We also experienced some quite difficult times in the 1960s. I followed in his footsteps in joining the Air Force although I went in as a navigator flying on air refueling and spy planes, something that worried him quite a bit. We lived coasts and indeed oceans apart for most of our adult lives. It was wonderful when I was able to visit Michael and his family in Madison in 2019. I surprised Michael by inviting his best friend from England to travel to Madison to visit everyone. It was a wonderful visit. The last couple of years was difficult. He is missed but he is at peace.

We did not have the privilege of knowing Mike, but this obituary is a wonderful testament to his character. We need more like him in this world. Neighbors; Judy and Harvey Sokolow

Michael Francis was one of the kindest persons I have ever known. He freely shared his experience, strength, and hope in a humble way. I'm honored to have known him.