​Cliff Francis, 1942 - 2014

Born in Ayrshire, Cliff spent his boyhood in the pre-Irvine New Town era of rural Dreghorn, where he loved the outdoors and the sport it provided. Working in the family Timber business turned Cliff into an expert Woodsman. The call of the sea was very strong and Cliff joined the Merchant Navy with Cunard, regularly crossing and re-crossing the Atlantic from Southampton to New York as a Seaman on the majestic Liner, Queen Mary. Cliff was also a great supporter of the Lifeboats.
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Cliff signed up to join The City of Glasgow Police at an exhibition in the Kelvin Hall, and following a four year spell as a policeman in Canada, he returned to Glasgow with wife Norma and continued to serve out a distinguished career with the Glasgow and Strathclyde Police Forces until he retired as a Chief Inspector.

​As an Executive member of The Ayrshire Golf Association from 2009, Cliff was well known throughout the County where he made an invaluable contribution to both the Boys Team and the Area Championships.

Cliff’s first love was as a member of Troon Welbeck Golf Club where he was a Past Captain and guided the Club as an influential Secretary for many years, a position he took very seriously indeed. Although he was not averse to a bit of mischief, he was quick to laugh and made others laugh easily.

His other main hobbies included recording and enjoying his huge music collection and playing Classical Guitar to a very high standard.  

Cliff Francis sadly passed away on Wednesday 29 October 2014. Cliff leaves his Wife Norma, and sons Graeme and Charlie. His influence will be sadly missed by friends and colleagues, but Cliff will be remembered for his wit and friendship by many at the Welbeck Golf Club, in the Ayrshire golf community and beyond.
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