Miles Edward Francis Obituary (1951 - 2018)

Old Town and Penobscot Nation - Miles Edward Francis Sr., 66, passed away peacefully after a long battle with illness on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, surrounded by friends and family at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Miles was born on December 16, 1951, son of the late Geraldine Francis of Indian Island. Miles is a citizen of the Penobscot Indian Nation and proudly served as an elected leader for over 26 years on the Tribal Council. Beyond his public service, Miles is well known for his success in business, where he received multiple awards, including the Small Business Administration's Company of the Year for his contracting company. He was also recognized as the Small Business Person of the Year on the cover of Business Digest. Miles recently served as Penobscot Indian Nation Enterprises President and CEO, helping to bring opportunities to the Penobscot Nation and its people. For 40 years, Miles managed High Stakes Bingo and also started successful gaming operations for tribes all over the country. What Miles enjoyed most was spending time with his family, taking trips, going to dinner and concerts with his wife. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt with family and friends at his camps on Orson Island and Birch Stream, and fish at Allagash Lake with his sons and grandsons. Miles was a sports fan, and followed the Boston Red Sox, Bruins and the New England Patriots. He was a role model to many people, and was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Miles is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Aida Francis; brother, Wendell Francis and sister, Adrian Francis, both of Indian Island; sons, Miles Francis, Jr. and wife, Jen Francis, of Indian Island; Kirk Francis and fiancée, Allison Binney, of Bangor; step daughter, Maricel Witko and husband, Aaron, of Connecticut; ten grandchildren, Trevor Francis, Hannah Francis, Eben Francis, Kirk Francis, Jr., Tannar Francis, Riley Francis, Isabel Francis, Ava Francis, Reese Witko and Caiden Witko; as well as several nieces, nephews, and good friends. Everyone will sadly miss him, his sense of humor and his leadership. Miles thought the world of his caregivers, and the family wishes to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at EMMC, Lafayette Cancer Care and Dana Farber Cancer Care for their loving care. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Parish of the Resurrection, Holy Family Catholic Church, Old Town, with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall.