On the eve of a first-round football playoff game in Hopkins, the community is reeling from news about someone who will be missing on the sidelines.
Michael “Mick” Francis, longtime teacher and coach, died Thursday night after a long and fierce battle with cancer. Had he not succumbed in a hospital bed, he very definitely would have been alongside his son, head varsity coach Cody.
Francis years ago was inducted into the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame and more recently into the Hopkins Athletic Hall of Fame. He coached junior varsity football for many years and was an assistant on the gridiron, continuing to prowl the sidelines to the very end.
Zack Harig and WXMI-TV Channel 17 broadcast a feature story in October 2018 and again last year about how Francis was fighting his stage four cancer by refusing to give up coaching.
He also built a reputation as one of Hopkins’ first-ever varsity softball coaches.
Francis was famous for witty commentary in practices and during games and many observers agreed that he was a first-class motivator of young people.
Local school system members and people and in the community poured out loving and sympathetic comments on Facebook in the wake of the news of his death:
• “We lost a GREAT ONE last night. Love you Mick and I’m sure you and my old man will be looking down on us Saturday afternoon, I can already hear what you will be screaming down at us about… RIP, Mick Francis, grab a chair with everyone else we know in heaven and rest easy.” — Jerry Funk, assistant football coach and member of the first Hopkins team every to qualify for the post-season playoffs.
• “Today I am reminded that family, friends, neighbors and community relationships far outweigh all the ‘noise’ swirling around right now. Rest In Peace, Mick Francis, knowing that you were loved, a vital part of our community and will be missed by so many.” — Mary Howard, Hopkins Village President and former Hopkins Elementary Principal.
• “The world lost a great one. I am so grateful for the impact he made on my boys and the Hopkins football community. You will be missed, Coach. We love you.” — Jill Maley Weber, mother of Viking grid standouts Drew and Colin Weber.
• “Always entertaining when he was on the sidelines when I was doing chains.” — Patrick Postma.
• “There are no words for the loss of this amazing man who respected and cared for everyone around him! Especially the ones who needed him the most! He always strived that you to do your best!” — Vicki Swainston.
• “A coach will impact more young people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime. Coach Francis did just that.” — Cheri Ritz, coach of two-time state softball champion Wayland.
• “I had the honor of calling him ‘Coach’ and teacher. He will be missed!” — Jesse Terry.
• “The world lost a good one last night. Not only was he a great husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, and coach, but he was phenomenal at building relationships. Many people are better off today for having Mick Francis in their life.” — Brad Francis.
• “Cancer sucks. You gave it hell though, coach. Thanks for being such a great coach, teacher, mentor and friend.” — Shawn Moulenbelt.
• “He was in the shop a couple days ago and the first thing he said was…’How is your wife doing?” Selfless… will be so missed.’ William Dever.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date, but it is almost certain there will be no official services Saturday.