Will Francois

Will Francois brought a passion and positivity to his work that helped inspire his colleagues. Those attributes are among the key qualities Francois’ co-workers will remember about him now that he has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

The vice president of creative services at Tru Art Advertising Calendars (asi/92255), Francois was 67 years old when passed on Oct. 25, the Iowa City, IA-based supplier said in a recently released statement.

After starting his promotional products career in 1989, Francois went on to play a prominent role in expanding the Tru Art line beyond just Year-in-Views and commercial style calendars. Francois helped spearhead the supplier’s push into additional calendar offerings that included executive styles, multi-sheets, pockets, large billboards and appointments. Tru Art colleagues say his proposals helped distributor partners establish relationships with countless customers.

“Will remained relentlessly positive, hard-working and dedicated to his work,” Tru Art said in a company statement. “His passion for calendar advertising was almost unequaled. We were fortunate to enjoy nearly three decades of Will’s talent, friendship, dedication, and much more with our companies. He was a true professional devoted to the value of calendar advertising and our industry. His sincere passion for most everything with which he was involved benefited most everyone with whom he came in contact.”

Francois is survived by his wife Judy; sons Rob and Michael, who are both associated with Tru Art; and three grandchildren. Services were held on October 30^th at the River Community Church in Iowa City.