Weekly News sports reporter and much loved local character Francis McDonald passed away last week from a sudden illness.

Francis suffered a heart attack while away in the Dominican Republic with his wife Genoveva and sadly did not recover.


He was buried in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, November 11. Francis lived in Providenciales for four years.


He liked to keep fit, enjoying a swim in the sea every day, and was a keen sportsman. Francis coached youth rugby at the TCI Rugby Football Union and also took the role of senior referee.


Keith Burant, president of the TCIRFU, said:

The TCI Rugby Football Union has lost a dear and valuable member.
Francis McDonald our senior referee and youth development officer has been kicked into touch well before full time.
Francis, a semi-retired school teacher had been involved with the TCI Rugby Football Union for the past four years since his arrival in Providenciales.
Francis was well liked and respected by all the members of the TCIRFU.
He approached officiating like he approached life, directly and with enthusiasm. Francis was instrumental in establishing the youth rugby program in the TCI and the TCIRFU will not be able to replace him. Without his dedication and commitment the TCIRFU might not have been able to host the first of three international rugby matches played here in the TCI.
Francis was both willing and able to officiate in those matches and he will always be remembered for his ability to make impartial decisions even when these decisions might not sit well with the TCI players.

Follow up:

The TCIRFU is travelling to the Bahamas this weekend to the IRB (International Rugby Board) sanctioned seven-a-side tournament and the players will dedicate their play to the memory of Francis McDonald.


Upon their return a fitting memorial service will be held by the entire TCIRFU to reflect upon Francis's life and contribution to the TCIRFU.


An award, The Francis McDonald Youth Player of the Year, will also be dedicated in his memory and awarded each year at the annual TCIRFU banquet.


Keith added:

Francis, I and the entire TCIRFU are saddened by your untimely departure, but rest peacefully that your unselfish contribution to the TCIRFU will not be forgotten.

Francis spent many years teaching biology in secondary schools in England and also taught at the West Indies Collegiate in Providenciales.
His love of sports and desire to further his skills led him to join the Weekly News team in August this year and his contribution has since been invaluable.



Editor Blythe Duncanson said:

Francis came from a background in teaching but was eager to join our staff and learn the rigours of sports reporting.
He very quickly began to master the skills and rose, in just a few months, to become the brightest sports writer in the TCI.
His drive, love and knowledge for sports and interest in writing helped to make him one of the most visible figures in sports in the Islands.
He will be sadly missed.

Weekly News Reporter Rebecca Bird said:

All of the staff at the Weekly News were extremely saddened to hear of the death of Francis.
He was a well respected and valued member of staff as well as a joy to be around.
I worked closely with Francis during his time on the paper - his enthusiasm and commitment were infectious and he will be sincerely missed.
My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Weekend Magazine associate editor Gemma Handy said:

I didn't have the privilege of knowing Francis for long but, during his time as a freelancer with us, he would often drop in to entertain us and share his thoughts plus various anecdotes from his life teaching.
It was obvious he had a very special rapport with young people.
He was an exceptional person who gave 100 per cent to everything he did. Thank you Francis for your wit, humour, endearing eccentricities, unique outlook on life and for brightening up many a working day. I will miss you.

Francis was a dedicated Catholic and attended the Our Lady of Divine Providence Catholic Church.


On Sunday, November 11, a mass was held for the repose of his soul and for strength to be given to his wife and family at this sad time.


Source: Turks & Caicos Weekly News