Emile Percy Francis

Emile Francis passed away on Saturday Febuary 19th, 2022 at 11:55am. He was born September 13th1926 in North BattleFord, Sask., Canada, to Percy and Yvonne Francis. He joins his wife Emma, Parents, brother (Patrick) and Uncle Albert Bidart. While playing professional hockey and baseball he met nursing student Emma Francis and were married for 68 glorious years. Emile enjoyed his faith, family, friends, hockey, baseball, and golf. Emile was inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame in 1982. He is a member of the North Battleford and Saskatchewan, Canada. Hall of Fame. He invented the Goaltending glove and was the first to ever use it in an NHL game and is now in the Hall of Fame. Emile played for the Chicago Black Hawks and NY Rangers. Upon retiring he became Vice President, General Manager and Coach for three NHL teams the NY Rangers, St Louis Blues, and Hartford Whalers. During retirement he served on numerous charities and events as well as the NHL Hall of Fame committee. Instrumental initiating the NY Metropolitan Junior hockey league which he considered one of his proudest achievements. After stays throughout Canada, New York, St. Louis, and Harford they retired in West Palm Beach, FL. He is survived by sons Rick (Susie), Bob (Terry); Grandchildren Claudette, Kelly, Kris, and Ryan; Great Grandchildren Tyler, Molly, Makai and a host of other relatives and friends.