The Story of Francis Nash
As told to us by Jamie Wallin

Francis Nash, Dancer and Poet, died on Christmas Eve, 1993. It was my honour to serve as his executor.

What comes to mind first is that Francis was a devout Christian. He was a regular worshipper at Christ Church Cathedral (Georgia and Burrard). The Right Reverend James Cruickshank was then Dean of the Cathedral. He knew Francis very well. Prior to Francis' death he founded a liturgical dance group. This group met regularly at the Cathedral.

After Francis' death, the new Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Peter Elliott, proposed a memorial to the life of Francis Nash. Francis had bequeathed a sum of money to the Cathedral. Peter Elliott received the gift and commissioned colourful banners that may be seen flying outside the Cathedral at various times during the year.

There are two Vancouver societies that are a repository of memorabilia for Francis nash. One is Integrity Vancouver - a support organization for gay and lesbian Anglicans and their friends. The other is Dignity Vancouver. It is a support group for gay and lesbian Roman Catholics and their friends. Francis was very much involved with both groups.

As mentioned earlier, Francis was a professional dancer. He was with the Anna Wyman Dance Company. An annual scholarship is awarded in memory of Francis Nash to the winner of a dance competition that is open to promising young dancers.

Finally, Francis was a poet. A collection of his poems was published posthumously.

There is much more to be said about this gifted young man from Grenada. (He was so happy an proud on the occasion when he received his Canadian citizenship. He often described himself as a Granadian Canadian!) He had a profound impact on all who met him. My guess is that there are many health care workers at St. Paul's who will remember his fight to live and his concern for the well being of others who were hospitalized at that time.

Everything lovely, everything precious, everything wonderful, too -
These are what you were.
With lots of love and memories.
Jacinta - Your Loving Sister.

Francis Nash on the Memorial