Samuel Francis
Samuel Arnold Francis peacefully passed away in Denver, Colorado on December 20, 2022.
A life-long resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sam moved to Denver in 2022 to be cared for by his family.
Sam was born on June 17, 1936 in Del Norte, Colorado. At a very young age, he and his parents – his father an immigrant from Lebanon– moved to Albuquerque to explore opportunities for Sam and his four siblings. Growing up, he was independent, selfmotivated, and resourceful. He learned early to use his natural talents to pursue his dreams. He served in the Army before attending the University of New Mexico Law School.
Being a lawyer in private practice afforded Sam the opportunity to indulge his hobbies and passions: travel, languages, golf, cooking, and fitness. He taught himself Italian using Berlitz cassette tapes so his family could travel with added confidence. He spoke Italian so well that people thought he was a local. Sam loved to golf. He played Pebble Beach, competed in multiple Pro-Ams, and played hundreds of rounds at the Albuquerque
Country Club as a member for over 25 years. He worked out 5 days per week at Liberty Gym until he was 85. For all of his hobbies, his biggest passion was spoiling and being with his family. Whatever he learned, gained or made, he gave back. Teaching the sports he’d grown to love, writing and selfpublishing five books about the law, taking his late wife Karen on trips around the world. He was a person who gave cash to strangers who needed it, and told a corny joke to make you smile (or grimace). He lived for his children and leaves millions of happy memories.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Andrea Francis, his siblings Lee Francis, Albert Francis and Tony Francis, and his wife Karen Francis. He is survived by his sister, Esther Bush, and his children and grandchildren: daughter Julie Colclough and her sons Brenden and Colin, daughter Michelle (Matt) Lewis and her sons William, Jake and Hunter, son Sam Francis and his sons Sammy and Joey and daughter Lisa Francis. A private service for family & friends will be held later in the year.