Obituary of Francis Kaufman

KAUFMAN, Francis Michael - A longtime resident of Harwich Township, Chatham, Francis Kaufman passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the age of 71, after an inspiring battle with multiple myeloma. Born October 25, 1948, Francis was the son of the late Joseph and Eileen (nee Roesch) Kaufman. He is survived and loved by Deanna (Deighton) Kaufman, whom he married in 1978. Proud and devoted father to Sarah Kaufman (Luke Leatherdale), Lisa Kaufman (Joel Silva), Adam Kaufman (Jessica), and Angelika Kaufman (Scott Davis). Loving grandfather, or “Gramps”, to Evan, Oliver, Henry, Theo, Archie, and a little girl set to join the family in June. Cherished brother of Mary Mason, Ruth Anne (Robert) Joworski, and Patricia (the late Michael) Matteis, and brother-in-law to Hugh (Monica) Deighton. Much loved uncle to many nieces and nephews in the Mason, Matteis, Joworski, Deighton, and Horton families. Dear friend of Jim and Anne Neil, Rob Strong, Sam and Doreen Horton, Wayne and Nancy Ramboer, Danny Hunter, Stan Gillier Jr, and countless members of the agricultural and local communities, including close neighbours Connie and Stan, Jack and Thea, and Arlene and Don, who were always there looking out for Francis. A graduate of the former Ridgetown College’s agricultural program, Francis was a lifelong farmer, who purchased his first tractor at 9 years old. He was lovingly counselled and firmly guided in his career by his dad Joe, taking great care of the land that has been in the family for over 150 years, even after a debilitating stroke at the age of 33. Told by several doctors that he would never walk again, Francis succeeded in proving them wrong, and continued to challenge every unfavourable prognosis until the very end with his trademark mix of hard work and stubbornness, humour and grit, traits that proudly live on in his children and grandchildren. He was a brother of the Knights of Columbus, an active member and supporter of the former United Cooperatives of Ontario, and a parishioner of St Joseph’s Catholic Parish-organizations that remained close to his heart. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr Gillian Mount and Dr Chai Phua, and the nursing and support staff of C7 Oncology Inpatients at LHSC Victoria Hospital, for the tremendous care given to Francis (aka Larry) and the family; and to the nursing and support staff of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Medicine and Continuing Complex Care floors for the great care given there throughout the fall and during Francis’ last days. Interment will take place at Maple Leaf Cemetery at a later date. In memory of Francis, a bursary is being established by the family to be awarded to an agricultural student attending the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph. Donations can be made to this bursary fund through the family, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040