Some News from Mike Francis

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the contributions to the blog from fellow members of the Class of 72 to date and hope to read more before the reunion.

I studied part time at Rhodes for a BPrac degree from 1973 — 1978 while doing articles at the same time with Green & Truter (The Late Joe Truter was my principal and also an Old Graemian).

I spent 1979 and 1980 in military training (1979 basic training and officers course in Kimberley and 1980 giving tutorials at Fort Hare trying to win the hearts and minds of the people).

Then moved to East London and joined F W Cooper & Rein as a PA.

In 1983 I joined Marshall Kaplan as junior partner with Steve Clarke (also an Old Rhodian) who remains my partner. Steve and I bought the practice from Louis Kaplan and continued in partnership until 2004 when we amalgamated with Bax Incorporated to form Bax Kaplan Incorporated where I am now the senior partner, specializing in conveyancing and commercial work.

On the sporting front I played tennis for Rhodes and SA Universities. Also played for Border for 10 plus years — and was president of Border Veterans Tennis for 10 plus years.

I had a hip replacement about five years ago and unfortunately my tennis days are over and I now try my hand, very unsuccessfully, at golf.
I joined Gately Rotary Club in 1992 and I am a past President and the holder of a Paul Harris award and a Paul Harris Sapphire Award.

I have a daughter, Pippa, from my first marriage who is now 25 years old. I have been married to Lee for 9 years and she has a daughter, Jayd, who is in Grade 12. Pippa, like her Dad, partied her way through a B.A. at Rhodes and Honours (Cum Laude) at Stellenbosch in Journalism. She is travelling the world — presently teaching English in South Korea.

I still enjoy keeping fit, playing golf, fishing at Riet River and hunting in the winter months with Steve Clarke, Denville Tarr and Ben Ford (both also Old Graemians).

Look forward to seeing you all at the Reunion.