(June 19, 2006)

Suzanne (Morrow) Francis and Wallace Distelmeyer

Skate Canada is saddened by the loss of Suzi (Morrow) Francis, who passed away on Sunday, June 11.

Suzi, who, along with pair partner Wallace Distelmeyer, became the first Canadian pair team to win Olympic and world medals, bringing home the bronze medal from the 1948 Olympic Winter Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland and the 1948 world championships in Davos, Switzerland.

Suzi and Wallace made history by becoming the first team to perform the modern-day death spiral in international competition.

Suzi was not only successful in pair skating, but was an accomplished skater in the singles and ice dance disciplines as well. She claimed the Canadian women’s title from 1949-1951, the pair title in 1947 and 1948 (with Wallace) and the ice dance title in 1948 (also with Wallace).

After retiring from eligible competition, Suzi remained active in figure skating. She became a world and Olympic judge and acted in this capacity for 50 years.

In 1952, Suzi graduated from veterinary school and served as a doctor of veterinary medicine until her retirement in 1995. She was also licensed by the Canadian Kennel Club as an All-Breed dog show judge.

Skate Canada passes along its condolences to Suzi’s daughter, Kristen Francis.