FRANCIS HOLFORD OBITUARY

The brothers of Guildford were greatly saddened to learn of the death of Francis after a short illness. 

Francis was born 1 April 1937 in Wandsworth, London together with his twin brother Richard. Francis was raised in Horsham and Pulborough, West Sussex where he attended Pennthorpe School, and then the Colliers Grammar School, Horsham. Immediately after school he was called to do national service serving with the Buffs for 2 years. His talent for languages was spotted and so he was sent out to Cyprus as an interpreter.

He married Jenny (nee Wolff) on 14 September 1963 at St. Mary’s Cadogan Street, London, after which they settled in their first home in Kensington, London.  After 2 years they moved to Bristol for a short period and then to Amersham, Bucks. They moved to Guildford in 1975 where they settled permanently.

Their marriage was fruitful and blessed with the birth of five children, there being two sons and three daughters, Michael, Clare, Catherine, Anna and John.  The family quite naturally grew and following marriages of their children Francis and Jenny were able to thoroughly enjoy the company of 17 grandchildren.

Francis qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked initially in that capacity for the 
family business Rudolf Wolf in the City, a Metal and Commodity Broker, becoming MD until he retired in 1994. He continued to work in retirement investing his time in a combination of consultancy and charitable work. Francis was a trustee and the Catholic representative of 
Premier Christian Radio in the station’s early days.

He was involved with Hosanna House & Children's Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT), a charity which takes disabled and disadvantaged children to Lourdes, and in which his family has a long connection over a number of generations. He was also a governor of a local school St Edwards that catered for children with special needs.

Francis was a cornerstone of laity support to St Joseph’s Parish, Guildford where there wasn’t a role that he had not undertaken and mastered.  He was awarded the Bene Merenti Medal from the Pope in 2012 in recognition of his dedication to the work of the church and charities.

He was a keen golfer and a member of the Catenian golfing fraternity. He enjoyed walking and went on many trips through France with close friends. He also enjoyed visiting family in the UK and abroad.

Francis died peacefully at home on Sunday 27th September 2015 in the presence of his family only 3 months after his wife Jenny passed away on 6 June 2015. His loving family and his Catenian brothers will sadly miss both Francis and Jenny. 

Francis Holford 1937 to 2015