<p>Capt. Everett (Porky) Francis, a familiar figure on the Edgartown waterfront where he had fished nearly all his life, died Saturday after a long illness.</p>
Capt. Everett (Porky) Francis, a familiar figure on the Edgartown waterfront where he had fished nearly all his life, died Saturday after a long illness. He was 80.
For 25 years he ran Capt. Porky’s Bait and Tackle shop on Dock street with his wife Carol, dispensing his trademark dry humor along with lures, rods and reels, as well as running a charter fishing business on his boat Whitewater.
He was born on the Vineyard, the son of a fisherman. His uncle Roy Campbell, who captained the legendary dragger Roann, put him in a dinghy at a young age with a hand line and a hook.
“That’s how I learned to fish,” he told the Gazette in a 2018 interview. “And I never forgot.”
He was trained as an electrician but he would fish in the summers, and go scalloping and quahaugging in the off season. As a charter captain, Porky knew where to find the fish, and a tidal island off Chappaquiddick where he fished often is named for him.
But if you asked him where the fish are, he would simply say: “In the water.”
With his deadpan humor, he was especially a mentor to children learning to fish.
Porky and Carol sold the tackle shop in 2018 to Peter and Melissa Sklikowski, who own Larry’s Tackle Shop in Edgartown.
“Porky’s an icon,” Mr. Sliksowski told the Gazette.
He is survived by his wife, three children, four grandchildren and two siblings.
A celebration of life is planned for springtime.
An obituary appears on the Gazette obituary page online.
Comments
Porky will be missed. I knew
Ray Cutler Scottsdale Az. 85260Porky will be missed. I knew him for sixty years and life was not boring.
Remember “ fly tying “ thirty
kevin cusack EdgartownRemember “ fly tying “ thirty years ago at the old rod and gun with Porky, Dan, Sonny, Ed, Dirk and a few others.
Funniest man in the room “ Porky “.
I remember those day at the
Charly Fish CTI remember those days at the rod and gun club. Early 90's some of my fondest years.
Yea when Porkey showed up you were in for some great stories and laughs.
Found memories of Captain
Louise and Richie Dowling Waterford IrelandFound memories of Captain Porky A true gentleman ! Rest In Peace ,you will be sorely missed a great character great to have known you
My deepest and heartfelt
Christy Bishop Vineyard HavenMy deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Carol and family on your loss. For many years when my boys were younger we would make the drive from Tisbury for our bait and tack just to see Captain Porky. He was a dear man my children loved hearing his tales, tips and more. A wonderful man who will be missed.
When we bought our home on
Chris Cowan KatamaWhen we bought our home on the Vineyard in 1979, Porky and Carol were next door neighbors. We visited and I have vivid memories of Porky showing me pictures of dozens of stripers on the dock, with a handful above 50lbs. The "good old days" He told me about fishing "Porky's Island" and how he would throw a plug right up on the sand and drag it back into the water where the bass were held close to shore. This summer the island was there and I heard him talking to me. I did exactly as he said and a few feet off the sand the water exploded with a strike. It was only a 20" bass, but the experience was amazing and I'm glad Porky told me that story. He was always kind and generous and will be missed.
A mentor and friend to my
Becky Kidder EdgartownA mentor and friend to my boys and nephews - we’ve lost count of how many lures and hooks he “helped” the boys tie on. His humor and steady presence will be deeply missed. Sending love and thoughts to Carol and the family. Assuming that the fish are up there in heaven too.
Porky and Carol were the
Greg Kreps & Marne Fuller Westerville, OhioPorky and Carol were the first to welcome us as friends when we walked lost into the shop years ago as "tourists". Since then we have cherished their friendship. We will forever remember Porky's smiling Hello's every season as we arrived on island. We hold Carol and your family close to our hearts and give you our love. Greg & Marne
... the kinda guy who shows
Jim Cotuit... the kinda guy who shows up at yer door - at 4 ( am) cause the bass are eatin’...
... on yer honeymoon ...
Yes- we caught fish !
Heart as big as Menemsha Pond...
every summer wouldn't be
rob the roofer new jerseyevery summer wouldn't be complete without seeing Porky. We would talk construction, what a great electrician. RIP, P Fish
What a life! Captain Porky
Lisa Gardiner EdgartownWhat a life! Captain Porky taught my son, Robert how to fish, patiently helped him untangle lines, and inspired a little fisherman to grow into a big guy who loves fishing and boats more than anything. For several summers Porky captained an annual grandfather, father, son charter trip which also became one of Robert’s happiest childhood memories. Porky (and Carol) leave an amazing legacy of joyful moments shared. We are blessed to have such happy memories, Porky RIP.
Another good old salt gone,
Lorraine EdgartownAnother good old salt gone, RIP.
A man with several hat's with
Bob EdgartownA man with several hat's with the largest one on the water. Do you remember P & L Appliances now that was a pair that beat a full house!!!Tight lines Cap
It is with a heavy heart to
peter vermynck East SandwichIt is with a heavy heart to say goodbye to porky. My condolences to his family. His children are close friends. He is a legend and will be missed
Porky spent many a summer sitting in my mother's kitchen with a beverage and a story.
He taught me to Flyfish, 30 years ago. I will always be thankful for that, needless to say, I am almost good at it. Godspeed my friend.
Carol and Porky were the best
Chris and Leslie Look EdgartownCarol and Porky were the best "PAIR" I know... Always there for each other... Our prayers are forever with you carol and just know he will always be your fishing ANGEL above looking out for you ALL !!
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