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Sun Mar 05, 2006 11:54 pm

With sadness I advise that Francis lost his battle with cancer last night (Sunday NZ)at the age of 46.

While we knew Francis was sick the timing was unexpected as there were plans to attend our Easter Nationals & a trip to US shows after that. He visited me just two weeks ago while touring NZ catching up with many friends along the way.

Francis was very active in the New Zealand VW scene and persued with great enthusiasm his acquisition and restoration of many VW's to show winning standards. If ever there was an event he would be there to support it.

Francis has many friends around the world in the US & Europe as he regularly visited shows there and had purchased vehicles and parts to bring back to NZ.

The funeral is likely to be Thursday NZ time, I will endeavour to pass on any messages to Vicky at that time if you are not in direct contact.

ivanfuller-pretzl@clear.net.nz

Mon Mar 06, 2006 8:20 am

My sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Mon Mar 06, 2006 10:40 pm

I had the privilege to spend a few days with Francis back in November of '04. Without thinking twice, Francis invited me down to Auckland (I live in California), so he could show me the Horopito Wrecking Yard. And even though I only talked with him at one of the VW Classics, for only a few minutes, he never forgot our conversation and my desire to see New Zealand. He went way, way out of his way to show me a great time, and even picked me up at the airport, and drove me to and from Horopito, some six hour drive south of Auckland. From there, I spent a few days at his home, and it was a total blast from the time I stepped off the plane, until the time I had to go back. I remember driving his Split over to a cool house down the street, so we could take some photos for Hot VWs. He even helped me box up some huge pile of sheet metal to take home on the plane. He provided me with a hot shower, great eats, and a warm bed to use while I was there. And, he wouldn't let me pay for anything! I can't say enough good things about Francis, and I was shocked to hear of his passing this morning. 46 years old is way too young to say so-long to his family and friends. Damn, what a sad day. Dean Kirsten

Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:03 pm

Andrew Bayliss emailed me to tell me the sad news about Francis Baptist. What a nice guy Francis was. He would always be the first one at my open house at VW Classic time. He was there to offer his help. Any excuse to be around VW's and people that love VW's.. I would see him at the DKP meet, then my party, then OCTO and again at eh VW Classic and then when you think your done I would see him at Charlie's party!! He never missed a beat!!!

I stole these pics from Kobus http://kobus.skynetblogs.be/ so, people can see who this great guy is that were talking about.. This was his laddertruck he loved so much.. He will be missed for sure... What a loss.. Hopefully he will meet up with my friend Hank in VW heaven..

Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:28 am

A very sad week.
http://www.nzveedubnuts.com/viewtopic.php?t=1669

Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:43 pm

We saw Francis off on thursday. His last ride was on the back of his single cab. The procession was followed by about 50 VW's & several Porsche's from around NZ. Remarkable when you consider that we only see around 150 at our annual national get together. I couldn't bring myself to take photos but there will be a DVD available and I expect there will be some on VW nuts forum link above.

Wed Jul 15, 2009 4:33 pm

today Francis's 52 split made its way from Auckland to Rotorua and its new home with Colin Hardie after a gentle drive it was put away followed by a beer and toast to Francis .

Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:55 am

Thats great to hear. I really hoped his cars would stay in NZ :D

Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:14 pm

mrsherbie wrote: Thats great to hear. I really hoped his cars would stay in NZ :D

A few made it to Aussie but most stayed in NZ

Sun Jul 26, 2009 12:44 pm

I'm sorry to hear this. I did not know him, but had heard nice things about him. My thoughts go out to his Family and friends.
Alex

Sun Jul 26, 2009 5:47 pm

I still have his business card he gave me when he came by my house to check out my cars. He was a super nice guy and I really liked him. I am still saddened by his death and think about him often.
Andy

Wed Oct 07, 2009 4:49 pm

These are two that made it to Australia. I am fortunate to have them, and the single cab just shows how well Francis looked after his cars.

Thanks

Steve