Alvin Clair Francis , 93, Minot, died Wednesday, March 26, 2014 in a Minot Nursing Home.

Alvin Clair Francis was born in Sawyer, North Dakota on November 17, 1920 to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Francis. He grew up in Sawyer, and graduated from Minot High School. Al joined the Merchant Marine at the end of World War II, and received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Coast Guard for his wartime training and service.

He enjoyed reading and travelling as he shipped to ports around the world during his lifelong career in the Merchant Marine, and initially retired in Taiwan, which was his favorite foreign country of all that he had visited. After living in Taiwan, he moved back to Minot where he lived until March 26, 2014. He was a lifetime member of the Minot Rifle and Pistol Club, and enjoyed target shooting and attending all of the gun shows.

Al loved walking and walked to the Minot Zoo where he gave tours to school children - he could even make some of the animals do tricks. He had a great memory, and always remembered the titles and actors of all the old movies he enjoyed watching. He loved his family and friends.

His sisters were Lucille, Willidean, Leona and Pearl. Al sincerely appreciated all that everyone did for him, and thank you Kathy Hedstrand and the Francis family for helping him so much for so long.

All family members and friends of Al are welcome to the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2014 at Thomas Family Funeral Home in Minot, followed by burial in the Veterans section of Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot.