Donald Sydney French
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Beloved father, grand father, great-grandfather, brother and friend, Donald Sydney French passed on Monday, March 8, 2021 at the age of 90 peacefully in his home with his family by his side. Our father was the ultimate family man, caring friend and professional, Don was always trying to help others. Don is now with his wife Katharine Jean French who passed in 1977 after 22 years of marriage, never to remarry. He was always happiest surrounded by his children, Katharine, Donna (Chris) and Douglas and daughter-in-law Ann. The light of his life has been his grandchildren, Janine (James, Gavin, Liam, Mia), Jennifer, Lisa (Aaron), Vicki, Samantha and Rachel (Chantelle), and great-grandchildren Gabriella (Gabby), Brayden, Blake and Deshawn. Quality family time was the most important thing to our father and only on occasion would he shut off his hearing aids on purpose. Don was born in Hamilton, Ontario to Sydney and Alice French (deceased) and was the middle sibling to Eileen (Lloyd) Lowe (deceased) and William (Bill) (Esther) French. Brother-in-law to Don (deceased) and Mary Catherine Clarke, Harry and Elva Clarke (deceased). He was loved by many nieces and nephews. Don spent 50 years in Credit Management at Westinghouse and was an active member and leader in related professional organizations including teaching credit management for many years. He was also very active in the United Church and considered his friends there as extended family. Don was the ultimate fighter and even days before his passing continued with his jokes and smiles letting us know all is good when he was with family. He loved the cottage in Stirling right from the time he was dating Jean to most recently sitting on our decks as he told stories about the lake or driving his scooter on the dock for a drink or a sunset. We would like to send a special thank-you to Ruth and Veronica for looking after him so well for all these years. You have become an adopted part of his family. Thanks to all the friends and support from St Mark's United Church, the wonderful meals, phone calls and visits that made him so very happy. Don / Dad / Poppa / Brother/ Uncle will be greatly missed but his footprint has been large by loving his family and friends always, living by example, hard-working, always caring for others and trying to make a difference at everything he did at home, church and work that will be carried on by all of us who have had the pleasure to get to know him. Don was very passionate about the Church and helping others. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mark's United Church in memory of Don French, 115 Orton Park Road, Scarborough, Ontario M1G 3G9, 416-439-8623 (donations will go towards improving accessibility to the facility) or alternatively to a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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Published in The Hamilton Spectator on Mar. 12, 2021.
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Memories & Condolences
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3 entries
March 15, 2021
I remember Mr. French from the Church of the Master. He was a friend of parents Gord and Joyce Ashberry (both deceased). I believe he was very involved in the Sunday School that I attended. I remember him as a friendly and helpful person.
Janet Ashberry
Acquaintance
March 14, 2021
Hi there. Don was the credit manager for Westinghouse appliances back in the late 60's, early seventies. I was a young pup, a rep, full of myself and learning the business. He was always a gentleman, full of good advice and sympathy when needed. Over the years he saw a lot of us come and go but he was always remembered with fond thoughts.
David Comissiong
Coworker
March 12, 2021
Don hired me into the WESCO Westinghouse world in 1986. He was a great man to work for and learn from.
It was always clear he had a great work ethic, loved his family dearly and was committed to his church.
Don was like the North Star always fixed on what is true and right.
Mark Stevens
Student
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