Obituary of James French

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the livestream is unavailable. We apologize for this inconvenience.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James “Frenchy” French on September 05, 2021, after a brave and courageous 4-year battle with cancer.  James is lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 60 years, Margaret; daughter Caroline (Chris) Day; niece Emma (Evan) Trobiak; great niece Amanda and great nephews Matthew, Derrick and James; his sisters Jackie Owens (Phillip) and Fiona Semple and brothers Geoffrey and John (Lorraine); his brother-in-law James (Diane) Pinder and sister-in-law Jane (Ed) Walsh; as well as numerous other relatives and friends both here in Canada and in England.  He was predeceased by his father and mother Jack and Margaret French; his brother Cyril French and sister Rita Ward.

James was not afraid of hard work.  In England worked both as a brick layer and in a stone quarry, he served in the army and also worked on a roadworks crew with the county.  After moving to Canada in the 80’s, he worked at the Clorox plant in Moose Jaw manufacturing briquets.  But more importantly James was a big-hearted man with a kind soul.  He always said, “Family is the most important thing” and he showed this in many ways through his generosity of spirit and his commitment to quality time spent together with family and friends.  James loved animals and children, and both were drawn to him.  At their home in Disley, England there was not a stray animal in town that would ever be turned away but his Border Collie, Jill, and his cat, Kitty, were the most precious to him.  James warmed the heart of many a child across the years serving as Santa’s Helper with his trusted puppet Ho-Ho.  James also loved to enjoy a good meal, fish and chips being among his favourites, and when he really appreciated something you would hear him remark, “that was world class!”

A service of remembrance and thanksgiving will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK., on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.  A reception will follow.  Masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces.  To view a livestream of the service please follow the link posted above.

Family and friends so wishing may make memorial donations to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 7T1.