Francis 'Magnu' Joanes

Francis (Magnu) passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2011while on a cruise in Russia with his beloved wife, Hazilda. They were touring from St. Petersburg to Moscow to celebrate her 75th birthday and their 45th wedding anniversary.

Francis was born in Nairobi, Kenya. He met and married the love of his life and soulmate, Hazilda in April of 1966. They immigrated to the US (Walnut Creek, CA) in 1977 in the hopes of providing a better life for their family. They lived in Walnut Creek until 2005 when they moved to Prescott, AZ to be closer to their 2 grandsons.

An accountant by trade, he retired twice in Nairobi, first as a high level auditor for the Kenyan government, then from a private British corporation. He returned to work in California to support his family, then retired once more. However, on moving to Prescott, he then continued as a volunteer Treasurer for the Homeowners Association to which he belonged.

Francis was a man of deep faith. Over the years, he was active in the church community, both in Prescott and Walnut Creek, as a lector, member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, member of the Pastoral Council, choir member, RCIA member and Eucharistic Minister to the sick. He was a man who gave generously of himself and everything he had, down to literally giving the shirt of his back multiple times. He lived life large and with passion, enjoying any reason to celebrate! Adults and children alike gravitated to him, his welcoming smile and big hugs. He was an ambassador of Gods love and touched so many people, more so than we even know.

Until they are all gathered together in heaven as a family, Francis leaves behind his beloved wife, Hazilda; daughter Louise; sons Marcellus and Tom, daughter-in-law Erin; grandsons Matt and Noah who will miss their Shepai. He also leaves behind his sisters Nasci, Abi and Martha who will miss their only brother. He also leaves behind many beloved nephews, nieces, and other family members who will miss him dearly.

Memorials:
The family requests donations be made in Francis's name to: St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Fleury, Prescott, 86301.

Visitation:
A visitation will take place from 5:00 ~ 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home followed by a Rosary service starting at 6:00 p.m.

Service:
A funeral mass to celebrate Francis's life will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prescott and the graveside committal at Pioneer Home Cemetery following the funeral mass.