Working at the drive-in theater made me a lot of who I am today. Growing up in a small town there aren't a ton of people who are into vintage aesthetic. The drive-in was built in 1954 and is all original. Also, it was there that I learned about work ethic, and taking pride in the work that I do. It is a family run business, and every job is important.
On Saturday I learned that Pops had passed on. It is a very sad end to an era. Today I attended his services. RIP Pops, you are sorely missed.
| Robert Edward Francis | | |
 FRANCIS, Robert Edward 1929-2008Robert Edward Francis was born the son of Ted and Grace (Heater) Francis in Newberg on Tuesday, July 2, 1929. He attended Central Grade School, graduated from Newberg High School and from Linfield College with an associate degree. Robert had a natural athletic aptitude for sports and played football in high school and college where he was full back and received an All-American award for his football fame. He served in the U.S. National Guard and became a sergeant; then worked for Western Electric. In the summer of 1954 Robert met Betty Jean Aust at the Miss Oregon pageant at Seaside. It was love at first sight and they were married in Portland on May 29, 1955. They made their home in Newberg where they raised their three children. She preceded him in death in 1994. He worked with his father as a boy and teenager and later became the president of Francis Enterprises. In 1967 he bought his first dog, an Irish Wolfhound, which began his successful dog showing career. This led to him becoming a true fancier of Irish Wolfhounds. He was an old car buff, owning several. He had a big heart for abandoned animals and financially supported organizations that worked with animals. On Sunday, Nov. 17, 2008, Robert E. Francis died at a Portland hospital when he was 79 years, four months and 15 days of age. Surviving and left to honor his life are two sons, Michael and Brian, both of Newberg; one daughter, Doria Bouneff of Tolovana Park, Ore.; four grandsons, Malcolm, Riley, Christopher and Alex; and those who have come to know and appreciate him as he has lived and worked in our community. He was preceded in death by his brother, Stu Francis; and one grandson, Adam Bouneff. His celebration of life gathering will be Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Attrell's Newberg Funeral Chapel, a Golden Rule Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Hospital for Children or Dove Lewis, c/o Attrell's Newberg Funeral Chapel, 207 Villa Road, Newberg, OR 97132. | ||
