Francis Bischoff Black, 86, a man who loved God, Family, his Country and the BYU Cougars; lived a life dedicated to loving and lifting others with all his might, mind, and energy of heart. He returned home peacefully to be reunited with his beloved Sweetheart Sophie while surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 9, 2018.
Francis was born December 14, 1931 to Clinton Melford and Rosa Vida Bischoff Black in Laramie, WY and soon moved to Basin, WY where he was happily raised in his youth, spending time with family, fishing and learning to work hard. They moved to California so his parents could work and serve in the War Efforts and then on to Utah.
Francis was devoted to his family and to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. He taught and exemplified faith in our Savior Jesus Christ, the values of hard work and complete honesty. Francis received and accepted a mission call to the Argentine Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was prepared to leave when the draft board would not allow him to leave because of the Korean War. He did what he felt was then best to serve his country and joined the Navy and was sent to Electronics school at Treasure Island. Francis met and married the girl of his dreams …Sophie Mae Pappas April 20, 1951 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple after meeting at the University of Utah. They spent their early years together in the Navy, stationed on the Submarine Base in Pearl Harbor and in San Diego.
Francis and Sophie felt so blessed with the addition of each of their four children whom they loved dearly. They made lifelong friends along the way, starting with their Pearl City Branch. Together, they earned their Masters in Physics and Mathematics from San Diego State…as in everything, it was a team effort.
Fran was a brilliant computer engineer and business man who created cutting edge technology and with Sophie formed and ran ROI Systems Inc. for 20 years.
He demonstrated an un-matched respect for women and was always a gentleman. He was thoughtful and he had a delightful and clever sense of humor. He was always quick to love and willing to sacrifice to provide for his family or to render service to others.
Francis was the SUPREME OPTIMIST!!! His loving nature, listening ear and interest in others made everyone who knew Fran love him and feel valued. Francis will be remembered for his faithful spirit, twinkle in his eye, bright smile, love for fishing, BYU Sports and his love for everyone.
Survived by his children, Robert (Dawn) Black; Deborah (Bill) Johnson; grandchildren: Jeremy, Brandon (Candice) Black, Nicole Leyba, Robert (Shelly), Alan (Laurie), Mike Black, Trista (Shane) Tempest, Joshua (Heather), Marcus (Brooke), Trenton (Natalie), Cameron (Aimee) Johnson, 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grand-children, and 6 brothers and sisters, Susan (George) Durrant, Jean Knowlton, Madeleine (Fred) Goossens, Carol Mussler, John (Argina) Black, Evelyn (Gerry) Scott. Preceded in death by, his wife Sophie Mae Pappas Black; children, David Alan Black, Vicky Black; his parents Clinton and Rosa Vida Black; and brothers, Harvey (Ann) Black, Jim Knowlton, Homer Black, Loren Mussler, Myrna Black, Merrill Black.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 15th, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the River Ridge Stake Center Chapel, 10168 South 1100 West, South Jordan. Friends may call Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. prior to the services at the ward chapel. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences:www.larkincares.com.
The family wishes to express our deepgratitude and love to Samantha Johnson and Heather Larsen, who have lovingly and tenderly helped care for our Father and Grandfather\s physical and medical needs along with others from First Choice Home Health and Hospice over many years.
