Francis (Punchy) Bitango

Francis was born in Lethbridge, Alberta to Matt & Maria Bitango.

He worked various jobs (Welder Saleman, traveling all over and Fairstone Tires) and helping his Mom & Dad on the family farm. He later moved to Pincher Creek, AB, north of Pincher Station with his brother Mike, where they farmed and ranched.

On January 13, 1962 he married Marie Lorraine Lillico. They raised 2 sons, Barry Francis and David Matt.

The most stressful time for Francis was negotiating the sale of his land to the Provincial Government for construction of the Oldman River Dam. Francis had a figure in his mind of what he wanted for his land and during these negotiations the Province offered to rent some of it back to him for $1.00 and he said "Oh it's not worth that". After all was said and done, Francis bought land SW of Pincher Creek on the Christie Mines Road and moved his family there to continue farming and ranching.

As well as working the farm and looking after his cattle, he bought Bulls from various Auction Marts to be fed at D&M Beef Producers and various feed lots and then hauled them south for sale. Francis was lucky to have the help of his sons on the ranch.

Francis was a great Father and Grandfather and had made many friends over the years. He always enjoyed his Coffee visits at the Husky with his pals and at PC Ranches with his good friend, Chris Coleman. When Fred Dewald came to town to manage the Auction Mart he made friends quickly with Francis and always complained that he could not keep up with Francis and his long stride. He always enjoyed time spent at the many Auction Marts he visited buying and selling cattle. He was a kind and generous man and was always willing to step up and help anyone who needed it, not expecting anything in return. In the last several years, his best friend was his son Barry, who worked alongside him everyday.

Francis was predeceased by his Father Matt, Mother Maria his brother Mike and sister Lucy his loving wife Marie and his son David.

He is survived by his Son Barry (Jen), Grandson Colton (Kyla) their 2 girls Maci & Sadie, Granddaughter Sophia Bitango and Parker (Alex) and Piper, as well as nieces.

Arrangements are being made by Eden's Funeral Home, Pincher Creek, AB. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Vertical Church 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd, Pincher Creek on July 24, 2026 from 11am - 3pm

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