The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE sporting community mourns the passing of another outstanding former sports writer. Devin Francis, who served previously as a sports editor with The Nassau Guardian, passed away on Friday after an illness with cancer.

Francis, 47, was employed at The Nassau Guardian for the past 27 years. He worked with another sports writer Shavaughn Gordon-Moss, who pioneered the profession for ladies.

Gordon-Moss noted that having known Francis from the time they attended St Augustine's College in grade seven, she was too shaken up to offer her comments.

However, sports editor Sheldon Longley, who has been a member of staff at The Nassau Guardian for the past 17 years, said he couldn't ask for a better mentor.

"Devin was my first boss at the Guardian and I couldn't have asked for a more capable person to assist in my transition and development into one of the finest sports writers in the country today," he stated. "After all, I learned from the best.

"Too many times, persons in this profession go unnoticed, but Devin stood out. He touched hundreds of young lives through his many articles in The Nassau Guardian and was cordial with everyone he came in contact with."

Longley said Francis' attention to detail when it came to sports writing was second to none.

"Even beyond the profession, Devin was a true and special friend," Longley stated. "I could always count on him for a listening ear, a helping hand and sound advice. There are few I cherished in this world more than Devin Francis. Rest in peace my friend."

I remember working on the other side of the sports beat on numerous stories with Francis and I got a chance to travel with him as we covered several events overseas, including the Olympic Games in 2004 in Athens, Greece. I also remembered when he was elevated to another department and how he indicated he would miss interacting with so many persons whom he helped in the development of their sporting prowess.

He was very quiet, but competent in his duties. He was one of those persons who worked diligently in this profession, but never got his just due. He served as the production editor up to the time of his death.

May his soul rest in peace.