Eulogy for Douglas French
After I sat down the opposite day to pen some ideas about my pal Doug, I used to be reminded that 32 years in the past on April 16, 1992 I acquired a phone name advising that Kristen was lacking. I by no means thought the occasions of that day would result in a friendship of over 30 years.
Though I had contact with Doug and Donna all through the investigation and trial it wasn’t till June of 1993 when Ivy and I had event to see Doug at Tim Horton’s and at the moment he invited us to go to with him and Donna. Throughout that night, he requested if we like taking part in playing cards. That was the start of quite a few card video games each deliberate and with out discover. It was additionally expanded into 6-handed euchre as soon as a month with Bruce and Barb their neighbors. It needs to be famous that Ivy at all times stored a document of the wins and losses which Doug would query periodically. I used to be at all times moved that Kristen was at all times current, each time there was a query within the sport Doug would say “What do you think Kristy”. The video games turned so severe that on a visit to Hawaii we could possibly be seen taking part in playing cards within the airport Vancouver.
As our friendship grew, we discovered we had rather a lot in frequent. Doug was a giant western music fan and on considered one of our many journeys we went to Branson Missouri. Doug had bought a brand new Chrysler which he always bragged about. On our arrival within the car parking zone of a restaurant the horn began to blow. Doug was unable to close it off — a lot for Chrysler.
I quickly realized Doug was a person of many skills. He beloved to work along with his hand constructing and dealing in his backyard the place he could possibly be discovered day by day spring, summer time and fall, after all underneath Donna’s route. One in every of his initiatives was including an addition to his dwelling. He bodily undertook the mission and I turned a member of the French Development Firm.
In early 2000 I approached Doug in regards to the idea of the Youngster Advocacy Centre. When he discovered it was centered on youngsters who had been bodily and sexually abused, he willingly volunteered. His administration and constructing expertise had been quickly put to work once we bought the property at 8 Forester Road and he turned the mission supervisor working with the contractor. I keep in mind at one level when he questioned the contractor about metallic objects on the location at which era he was instructed that they now not used wooden for studding.
When Doug retired, our journeys to Tim Hortons turned extra frequent. Someday twice per week. Doug was a really compassionate man, at all times pondering of others. Doug beloved driving his automotive and someday expressed to me for the protection of others. He knew his eyesight was failing and he was giving up his driver’s license. I then turned the wheel of fortune.
We loved many extra miles. We had a visit booked to Portugal, however sadly it was cancelled as a consequence of Covid. It was a disappointment for all of us, extra so for Doug. Even in Doug’s final days he by no means misplaced his caring for others. He was at all times
asking how we had been doing, by no means reflecting on his personal ache and struggling. He used to say to me “look at the suffering of others’, I’m not so bad”.
Doug as you understand our partner at all times has the final phrase.
My Darling Doug,
I’m so blessed to have you ever in my life. You’re a beautiful husband.
A tremendous dad and a superb pal to all who knew you. You’re a pillar of power – you might be my power.
I do know that you just and Kristen are fortunately collectively now. Give her my love.
Thank-you for making my life so stunning. You’ll stay in my coronary heart and soul endlessly.
My love for you is everlasting.
With love,
Donna
I’ll miss you my pal
Frank
For these wishing to view the Reside Stream of Mr. French’s Funeral Mass, please click on the next hyperlink at Mass time after which click on on the LIVE STREAM – MASSES icon on the highest left. https://www.stalfredcatholicchurch.ca/
FRENCH, Doug – Handed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024 on the St. Catharines Hospital on the age of 92. Loving husband of Donna for 53 years. Cherished Dad of Pam (Invoice) Radunsky, Brad (Rita) French, Dwayne French, Brian (Brenda) French and Darren (Lisa) French. Doug is predeceased by his daughter Kristen French (1992). Grandpa and Papa of Talin (Doug) Pullin, Sarah (Ray) Lamoureux, the late Joshua Radunsky, Devon and David French. Nice Grandpa of Liam, Dax, Grace, Jett, Sam and Callie. Brother-in-law of Sheila (the late George) Spatar, the late Joyce (the late Frank) Rovert, Lorne (Arly) MacDonnell, the late Sybil (Tony) Gallo, Angus (the late Ethyle) MacDonnell and Gordon (Kimmer) MacDonnell. Doug will probably be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews and pals. A particular thanks to Frank and Ivy Parkhouse, Invoice and Carol Anderson, Bruce Stevens and Evelyn Brown. The household will obtain guests on the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton Road, St.Catharines on Thursday, April 18 from 2:30p.m.- 4:30p.m. and 6-8p.m. and on Friday, April nineteenth from 12p.m. -1p.m. Vigil Prayers will happen on Thursday at 3p.m. within the funeral dwelling. Funeral Mass will probably be celebrated on Friday, April nineteenth at 2p.m. at St. Alfred Church, 272 Vine Road, St. Catharines. Burial at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens in Fonthill to observe. Memorial donations to The Kristen French Youngster Advocacy Centre Niagara or a Charity of Alternative can be appreciated by the household.
