TO: ALL BAHA'I COMMUNITIES

FROM: THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

RE: THE PASSING OF FRANCIS MERLE DES ISLES

Dear Friends:

The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the City of New York regrets to announce the news of the passing of dearly loved Francis Merle des Isles early on the morning of February 23, 2000. Francis served for many years on the local assembly and also served for many years as the community's librarian and bookstore manager. Francis gave many a deepening class on the relationship between the Writings and the Koran and spoke fluent Arabic, French, and English. He loved all kinds of international music and when he served in the bookstore, he used to love to play music of the Middle East -- to the delight of customers. Francis worked for many years at Morgan Guaranty Bank in the translation department before retiring about 2 years ago at the age of 75.

We shall all miss our dear brother, Francis. Please pray for the progress of his soul in the Abha Kingdom.

The funeral will be held on Friday, February 25, 2000 at noon at Redden's Funeral Home, 325 W. 14th Street - (near 8th Avenue - north side of the street). Burial will be private. Details about a Memorial will be announced at a later date.

©Copyright 2000, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the city of New York