It was with great sadness that everyone at Skye Camanachd heard of the passing of Elheran Francis on Wednesday 17 June 2020.
Elheran “Hailkeepur” Francis first made contact with Skye Camanachd back in 1982 when he sent a letter looking for some shinty information. Donnie Martin from the club got back in touch, providing a copy of a shinty rule book and some other associated literature. It was the beginning of a long friendship.
Elheran’s interest in shinty and Skye Camanachd stayed with him and he made many friends on the Island and beyond whilst visiting Scotland; a country he loved, sharing a particular interest in Scots’ culture.
Elheran was a gentleman and, along with others, was a great host when Skye Camanachd memorably visited California in 2009.
He was also a prominent member of Northern California Camanachd and gave so much to the club. In a tribute to Elheran on the Northern California Camanachd Facebook page, his good friend Michael Bentley said: “What can you say about a friend you’ve known for 40 years? How can I sum up the tides of our lives, the shared adventures, the laughs? I have been very lucky in my life to call some amazing people my friend. Knowing these individuals has made me a better person and enriched my life more than I can express. My friendship with Elheran quite simply made my life better. Judging by the tributes, memories, and photos I’ve seen, a lot of people feel the same way. It’s so hard to fathom that we will not be seeing him again, sharing a laugh and a dram in the way we used to. But as I read all the comments and the messages, I think maybe we will still be sharing our adventures with Elheran because knowing him will continue to propel us along paths we might not have imagined otherwise. Thank you Elheran for being my friend.”
Elheran Francis will be sorely missed by many and the sympathies from everyone at Skye Camanachd are extended to Elheran’s wife Denise, the extended family and his many friends.
Gus am bris an latha.