Edgar Walter ‘Butch’ Francis, III, passed away Wednesday July 21, 2021, surrounded by his loving family, at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich. He was born to Celeste and Edgar 'Gar' Francis in Provincetown March 19, 1943 in his parent’s home on Dyer Street. He grew up in Provincetown and Truro surrounded by family in a tight-knit, loving community.
As a boy, Butch raised poultry and animals. He graduated from Provincetown High School in 1961 and was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from Cornell University with an undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching. In 1966 he married Karen Elizabeth Landsberg. They moved to California where he started his teaching career in the Unified Los Angeles School District. In 1968 they returned to Cape Cod. On the Cape he taught at Chatham High School and at Cape Cod Community College. During his career he ran several businesses including Lower Cape Bus and Taxi and North Truro Camping Area. He also was a Justice of the Peace and found great joy in 'marrying people'. Butch loved to fly his plane. He was licensed as both a private and commercial pilot.
Active in civic and social organizations, Butch was involved with many local groups including the Provincetown Theater Company, the Council on Aging and Truro Treasures. In 2017, Butch was honored by being profiled in the Truro Historical Society’s Living Legacy project. For many years he spent winters in Palm Desert, California where he was involved in the Board of Directors and social golf committees at the Marrakesh Country Club. His home base was always North Truro.
Butch enjoyed life to its fullest. He relished entertaining and organizing events. Butch loved to attend theater productions and to travel. He traveled extensively and took his family on trips all over the world. His favorite trip was to the Galapagos Islands.
Butch could be found on many occasions at his favorite restaurant, Fanizzi’s enjoying the wonderful food, great company and amazing view.
Butch is most remembered by his love and dedication to his family. He was a devoted son, father and partner. He cared for his longtime partner, Beverly Brazil until her death in November 2020.
Butch is survived by his children Dr. Edgar 'Eddy' Francis and his wife Dr. Linda Schubert and Raquel Ellis as well as his grandchildren Benjamin and Gavin Ellis. Butch is also survived by his sisters, Pamela Coelho, and her husband Michael 'Bear' Coelho, Nadine Hutchinson and her husband Charles 'Hutch' Hutchinson and Jo Francis Johnson.
At Butch’s request, services will be private.
If desired, please consider a donation in Butch’s name to the Lower Cape Ambulance Association, PO Box 1721, Provincetown, MA 02657 or the McCarthy Care Center, 73 Service Rd, East Sandwich, MA 02537.