DORIS, Francis Eugene

Peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Beloved husband of Mary, son of the late Earl and Fern Doris.  His three sons are deeply saddened by his passing – Gerard, Michael (Cristy) and Ambrose.  Michael and Cristy's family have lost a wonderful grandfather – Angela, James, Dominic, Thomas, John Paul and Luke.  Francis is predeceased by his brother, James, his niece, Colleen Doris and his nephew, John Doris.  He is survived by his two sisters, Mary Jo Doris and Aileen Doris with whom he shared many happy memories on the farm.  Francis enjoyed many good times also with his niece Julie Black (Dave) and his nephews, Tim Hawkes (Kim) Dean Hawkes (Joanne) and Jim Doris (Laura).  He took a great interest in getting to know people and spent many happy times with his numerous cousins.  Frank was a very hard-working and dedicated dairy farmer working with his father every day assisting him in achieving Master Breeder status. He had a deep respect and love for his farm and dairy herd whom he often called his "other family".  The following, "Farmer's Prayer" which Francis kept beside his bed describes what farming really meant to him.  He belonged to many farm organizations, always eagerly learning more about how to improve his efforts at efficiency in producing milk.  He greatly enjoyed the company of other farm families in the community.  He was very enthusiastic about sports – pitching in a softball league and sometimes curling in the winter.  He coached his sons in hard ball leagues and took great interest in their hockey games.  Francis, in his own words, was "a man of prayer" – a devout and faithful Catholic living out his vocation as a loving husband and father trusting God in all the ups and downs of life.  His family has been richly blessed by his example and will always fondly remember him.

Visitation at DUFFUS FUNERAL HOME, 431 George Street South from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Vigil Prayers at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.  Funeral Mass at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH, OTONABEE on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 11 a.m.  (Those attending the Visitation and/or Funeral are encouraged to wear masks).  Reception to follow in Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Hall. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery in Lindsay at 2:45 p.m. Monday. In memory of Francis, if desired a memorial donation can be made  CANADIAN FOOD FOR CHILDREN, 1258 Lakeshore Rd. E.  Mississauga, ON  L5E 1E9  would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made www.duffusfuneralhome.com

Farmers Prayer

Oh God, who designed

And constructed this earth

Who programmed its systems

And assessed its worth

Who ordained the seasons,

The sun and the rain

And ordered the moon

To wax and to wane.

Then authorized mankind

To have the domain

Over beast and fowl

And tree and grain.

Now, Lord you've granted me

This tract of land

To help feed the world

By the toil of my hands

I need, Lord, your wisdom

As I try to do

An honest day's work

Dedicated to you.

I plead the protection

Of your loving arm

Watch over my family,

My friends and my farm.

Author - Harold K. Swanson

"May Frank's soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace."