Mr. Francis Anthony Veneruz, age 81 years, a resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Thursday, March 3, 2011 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Francis was born May 14, 1929 in Fort William to Maria and Vittorio Veneruz. He often shared many stories and memories about his upbringing in the East End where he developed many lifelong friendships. Following graduation in 1946, he was employed by Merchants Distributors Limited for 20 years as an Accountant and Office Manager.

In 1966, he began his career with Revenue Canada Taxation and retired in 1994 as Manager of Public Affairs. Francis enjoyed vacations and outings with family who he treasured, Sunday dinners, time spent at the cottage at Birch Beach, playing Bocce and get-togethers for family birthdays, special occasions or just because.

Morning coffee with the boys was also very important to him. Francis was a long-time member of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and served as Lector. He was a member of Council 1447 of the Knights of Columbus and 4th Degree Father Baxter Assembly.

He was also a member of the DaVinci Center and enjoyed being the Master of Ceremonies at the Annual Banquet for many years. He was a long time Trustee and a Past Chairman of the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. Francis will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Alice (Bottos) and children Francis (Luisa), Alan, Jeanette, Anita Treesh (Abdu), Ken (Teresa) and Linda Evans (Dan), grandchildren Craig, Kaitlyn, Christopher, Michael, Karlie, Jessica, Natalie, Romy, Dominique, Thomas, David and Lucas. 

Also survived by sister, Lelia Lovis, brother-in-law John Bottos (Carmen), many nieces, nephews and other relatives here and in Italy. He was predeceased by parents Vittorio and Maria Veneruz, in-laws Riccardo and Ines Bottos, brother-in-law Romeo Lovis and nephew Gerard Lovis.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral celebrated by Rev. Msgr. P. M. Stilla V.G. Interment will following in Mountain View Cemetery, privately for the family.  

Prayers will be offered Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 7 p.m. in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. If friends desire, memorials to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of Francis Veneruz in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove.  Annual dedication service Sunday, June 10, 2012.

Online condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com