Michael “Mick” Emerson Francis, 72 of Hopkins, died Friday, Oct. 30, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.Born July 28, 1948 in Alpena, he was the son of the late Reuben and Maureen (Emerson) Francis and the husband of Lynn (Gildersleeve) Francis.
Education and sports were both very important to Mick and he had a true passion for teaching children, along with making sure they knew how to give back to others. He spent 47 years coaching football and 30 years coaching softball at Hopkins High School and was instrumental in building the softball field there.
Mick also taught driver’s training, probably teaching about two-thirds of Hopkins residents how to drive. Since he was already coaching football and softball, Mick decided that he might as well coach volleyball too. The end of Mick’s teaching career was spent on the young elementary children, teaching physical education.
In previous years he taught middle and high school social studies and physical education. He passed his love of teaching and coaching on to his sons who have continued his legacy. Mick was living proof of what a dedicated teacher and coach looked like and continued assisting the schools through the Hopkins Booster Club and the Hopkins Area Education Foundation.
Giving seemed to be in his blood. Not only was he devoted to education and sports for our youth, but he was also a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mick had a knack for helping others and always being there for those in need.
Those in his community called him a “Legend.”
Mick is survived by his wife, Lynn; their children, Brad (Alexia) Francis and Cody (Traci) Francis; his four grandchildren, Kellan Francis, Evan Francis, Lincoln Francis and Rowen Francis; his sister, Patricia Keller; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Marlene Robertson and James Francis; and his brothers-in-law, Raymond Keller and Cory Gildersleeve.
Private services will take place at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in Mick’s name to Hopkins High School for the football and softball teams, 333 Clark St., Hopkins, MI 49328 or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2036 20th St., Allegan, MI 49010.
Mick and I were friends for many years; one year I coached against him, and many times I was behind the plate for his games. I was at Kellogg Woods getting my gear on for a game when the Hopkins bus unloaded his varsity softball team. The girls headed for the field and Mick bounced over to my car with a warm greeting and we chatted softball for several minutes. I nervously glanced at the field to make sure the opposing coach was not watching us.
Twenty minutes later I was at the plate beckoning the two coaches out for the pre-game conference. Coach Francis, with his hand out stretched to me and in a booming voice said, “Hi, I’m Mick Francis; who are you?” The other coach never had a clue!
Farewell my friend.
Tom, he never held a grudge, even if both of you knew you blew a call or made a incorrect ruling. He wouldn’t agree with you and argue for his players, but I would never be personal. He was a fine person, a great coach and an inspiration to young people he taught and coached. I was friends with him during the season and when I saw him on the street.
He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
My family and I have had the pleasure of cheering from the sidelines and watching Big Coach Francis, and then the dynamic duo of Father and Son, coach Hopkins Varsity Football for the last 20 years. It has been such a pleasure to watch them lead so many games to victory and for those games that did not end in victory, teach some very valuable lessons to do better next time.
Big Coach Francis was such an inspiration and role model for so many children who have now become young adults throughout the community. He taught the players how to become good young men and women, and he built their character and leadership skills. He taught them how to prevail and overcome obstacles when things got tough on the field and throughout life. The number of lives that Big Coach Francis has touched is absolutely amazing and his legacy will live on within the entire community for many years to come.
R.I.P. Big Coach Francis the lessons you taught in the classroom and on and off the fields will never be forgotten and neither will you!
You will be greatly missed! We love you!
I am so sorry to hear about my old friend and fraternity brother from NMU. Mick was a close friend in college and our jobs took us our separate ways. Until we moved to Grand Rapids 40 years ago and we never reconnected. Mick was a great guy and fraternity brother and his wife Lynn was the sweetest girl. I am devastated to learn this . My deepest condolences, the Francis family had a peach of a father and husband. My best wishes to you all.