Loved ones gather to celebrate the life of former NFL all-pro standout Russ Francis

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Friends and Members of the Francis family gathered in Waikiki Saturday morning for a paddle out in honor of Russ Francis and his father, Ed Francis.

Russ Francis, 70, was killed in a plane crash last year. It was a difficult situation to grasp for those who were closest to him.

“Over the last several months it has been very difficult, just being able to go back to his roots.” Russ’ partner Jaxie Ryan told Hawaii News Now.

Francis started his football career at Kailua high school before moving to Oregon, from there he would have an impressive career in the NFL with multiple all-pros and a Super Bowl ring with the San Francisco 49ers.

After his playing days, Francis would return to Oahu and become KGMB’s sports director. So his roots are deeply engrained in the islands.

“It was Russ’ request that he have his ashes spread out at the break here,” Ryan said. “This is what he’s wanted since he was a young kid and this is where he grew up, so we wanted to make sure that that happened for him.”

After a formal ceremony on shore...the Francis family hit the water and as Ed and Russ Francis were laid in their final resting place, back on shore, friends, family and former teammates shared their fondest memories.

Many came from all parts of the country this morning, showing the true reach Francis had in his life. One of ghm was his former 49ers teammate Eric Wright who said he quickly became family.

“He was with New England and we fought against that guy, but when Bill Walsh brought him to the team, he just became family and that made us even better and closer as a family.” Wright said.

Others in attendance described Francis as one of a kind and that’s how he will be remembered as a true original.

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