PETALING JAYA: Former senior security guard William Albert Francis (pic), who worked with The Star for 23 years before being medically boarded out in 2013, has died after a long illness.
His sister, Pamela, said he passed away at the Melaka General Hospital at about 9.30pm on Thursday.
She said William, 58, had been warded at the hospital since October due to his diabetic condition.
Tributes poured in from ex-colleagues at Star Media Group, who described him as always being polite and cheerful.
Chief news editor Paul Gabriel said William had a loving heart and took care of his ill mother till her death despite his own poor health.“He had a leg wound due to diabetes, but would push his mother in a wheelchair to the dialysis centre near their home in Kampung Pandan for treatment. And rain or shine, he would never miss going to church on Sunday,” he added.
News editor Zulkifli Abdul Rahman remembered William as one who was always polite.
“He would always greet me in the morning at the guardhouse. He would also come by for a chat in the office canteen,” he added.
Former senior human resources general manager S.M. Rajah described William as a good person who was God fearing.
“He was committed to his duties. Despite his leg pain, he would always report for work. I had to tell him on many occasions to go back and rest to get well. Such commitment to work is not often seen and it was his hallmark,” he added.The funeral mass will be held at the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Health in Kampung Pandan at 10am today.
