Gary Mills Francis, 88, passed away on November 16, 2024, in Ogden, Utah, due to heart failure caused by amyloidosis. He was born on January 1, 1936, at Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, to Earl Stuart and Thelma Rollins Francis. At the time, the family lived on a dairy farm in Morgan, Utah, where Gary spent his early years. He often reminisced about his childhood—riding his horse, Berta, around Morgan, playing with his dog, Toby, and enjoying the food they grew and raised on the farm, especially the fresh cream from milking the cows.

When Gary was 11, the family moved to Ogden. He was involved in scouting and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Gary attended Weber High School, where he excelled in sports, playing football and wrestling and serving as Senior Class President. He was a two-time state wrestling champion. After graduating in 1954, Gary attended the University of Utah, where he earned scholarships in both football and wrestling. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Biology.

Gary met the love of his life, Norene Hull, at a church dance in 1957. They were married on June 26, 1958, and had two children: Brad (born in 1960) and Diane (born in 1962). Gary later earned a master's degree in Educational Administration with a minor in Educational Psychology from the University of Utah in 1963. He also served in the National Guard.

A passionate advocate for children, Gary dedicated 37 years to education. He began his career in 1958 as a science and health teacher at Roy Junior High School. The following year, he developed the elementary school counseling program for six schools in the Roy area. He then served as a counselor and wrestling coach at Bonneville High School for three years before becoming a guidance counselor there for another four years. In 1967, Gary became the principal of Club Heights Elementary, and in 1971, he moved to Roosevelt Elementary. In 1977, he opened Uintah Elementary as its principal. In 1983, Gary transitioned to a role as a Research Specialist for the Weber County School District. The following year, he became an Area Director, overseeing budgets, staffing, and curriculum programs. In 1987, Gary became the Director of Student Services and Programs for At-Risk Students. He spent the last six years of his career as the Assistant Superintendent of the Weber School District, retiring in 1995.

Throughout his career, Gary was a compassionate leader who was deeply committed to the welfare of children. He served on numerous boards and was president of various associations, most notably the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals. In 1990, Gary was named "Child Advocate of the Year" by the Weber-Morgan Child Abuse Council. In 1994, he was honored as Administrator of the Year by the Utah House of Representatives. Gary also volunteered for the Saint Benedict Foundation, serving as a board member and Vice Chairman.

Gary had many hobbies and interests. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, skiing, golfing, and dancing with Norene, earning the nickname "Fancy-Foot Francis." He also had a deep passion for politics.

Gary's philosophy of life centered on service to others. In his graduation speech as Senior Class President, he shared words that reflect his life's guiding principle: " They say that if a person can make someone else's life more pleasant and happy because he lives, then he is truly successful. This being true, it is only natural to conclude that the road we must take in life to gain success must be that of service to others. Jesus said, 'Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.' ... Look about you. You will find that those happiest about you are those who render service to others. ... If we will but serve the world to the best of our ability, then we will have completed our task in life. "

Gary is survived by his wife, Norene; his son, Brad (Deanna Ramirez) Francis; his daughter, Diane (Robert) Tanner; and nine grandchildren: Trey (Lindsay) Darnell, Maryanne (Christian) Christensen, and Austin Francis (Brad's children); Matt (Jessica) Tanner, Melissa (Jacob) Dance, Jordan (Camryn) Tanner, Brandon Tanner, Jessica (McKay) Sanders, and Carson Tanner (Diane's children). He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren: Brayden and Bella (Trey's children); Alice, Carsen, and Claire (Maryanne's children); Afton, Ivy, Hazel, and Rosemary (Matt's children); Remi and Mckell (Melissa's children); Eli (Jordan's child); and Asher (Jessica's child). He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers and their wives: Earl (Lavon Newbold), Gene (Mariana Huish), and James (Velma Toone).

Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and, above all, an advocate for children. We will love and cherish his memory and the good times we shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your charity of choice.