Francis Sheehy

The intellectual powerhouse and devout scholar, Francis Sheehy, is on to new adventures. As he always enjoyed a passionate conversation, Heaven is undoubtedly rowdier.

Francis grew up in West Coburg, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with three boisterous brothers and a large extended family who fervently embraced their Irish roots. Faith was a cornerstone of his upbringing. Francis excelled in both academics and athletics. Leaving home at the age of 16, Francis entered the seminary, training as a member of the Franciscan Order. To finalize his training, he sailed to Münster, Germany. A part of him would forever remain behind in his beloved Oz.

In Münster, Francis studied under the renowned Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner, and served as a chaplain to American service members. As a religious scholar, Francis researched and wrote his thesis on the Book of Job, grappling with the question of why evil exists in God's world. Through providing pastoral care and listening to his parishioners, he also became a sports devotee of the Celtics, Dodgers, and Notre Dame. Both his unflinching reflection on faith and his unwavering support of his sports teams would continue. During this time of upheaval in the Church, Francis chose to leave the Franciscan Order, relocate to the United States and marry. Once again, he started a new life, this time in Kalamazoo, embracing the challenges that came with becoming a husband, father and active community member.

Francis's gregarious nature and innate love of wandering led him to the travel industry where he was to make both his mark and living for more than five decades, initially as a specialist in group travel then as an agency owner first of Harmony, Inc. and then Accent Travel, the family business in which he worked with his daughter for more than thirty years. Francis loved to show others the world he had seen. Before his children could walk, they traveled. The adventures were both local, such as to Lake Michigan, which he considered awe-inspiring and global. His ability to recall the places he had visited was extraordinary and his unusual travel recommendations, such as a pilgrimage to the serene Basilica of St. Francis in the hilltop town of Assisi, were renowned.

When not abroad, Francis could be found on the soccer field, either as an upstart youth soccer coach or an authoritative FIFA-qualified referee. He was adored by players (and their parents) and respected by coaches and fellow referees. When he retired from his refereeing days there were many former players who gathered on the sidelines for his final whistle. In this retirement he and a group of fellow referees met for lunches filled with laughter and spirited conversation. They became affectionately known as the Jedi Council. Francis looked forward to every meeting.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Michael. He leaves behind his brothers, Bernard (Pauline) and Gerard (Lucia), and his children and their spouses: Ann & Jonathan, Rita, Barbara & Jon, Michael & Jeanie, Philip & Alisa, and John & Anna. He was a loving granddad to Moira, June, Greta, Blythe, Matilda, Caleb, Adelina, Benjamin and Joshua. He was also a doting uncle to Anthony (Thérèse) and Thérèse (Ben) and loyal to countless friends. When his flip phone rang, Francis always picked up: to rehash last night's Celtics' victory, brainstorm upcoming trips or listen to the exploits of his brilliant grandchildren. To his friends, he was always available for a beer or a laugh. He is deeply missed.

A heartfelt thank you to the caregivers at Select Specialty Hospital in Battle Creek who cared so expertly for Francis in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to:

Covenant House (https://www.covenanthouse.org/)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/)

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, July 25, at Accent Travel.