July 18, 1921 ~ January 4, 2011
Loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Denver, Colorado to James and Rose French. John graduated from Manual Arts High School and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colorado State College of Education.John entered the Marine Corps in 1942 and was on active duty in the Pacific Theater during WWII and the Korean conflict. He retired from the Marine Reserves after twenty years of service with the rank of Major and was the recipient of numerous commendations.
While stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, John met the love of his life, Joan Roset, (on a blind date) and after a whirlwind courtship, they married February 23, 1952 in Van Nuys, California. He worked for CIT Financial for thirty-three years and retired as Division Manager in 1983. The family moved to Kenmore area in 1963.
After retirement, John and Joan loved to spend time on the road touring in their camp trailer and enjoying weekends on their property at Maple Falls at the base of Mount Baker. He had an infectious zest for life; salmon fishing at La Push with dear friends, golfing, belonging to the North Shore Senior softball league for twelve years (until age 82), enjoying his poker group, and , of course, his Mariners and Seahawks. But, most of all, John was happiest laughing and loving with family and friends. John was blessed with excellent health throughout his 89 years until his diagnosis of cancer in June 2010.
His wife and best friend of nearly sixty years, Joan; two sons, Greg and wife, Carol, and Jeff; daughter, Janice; three grandsons, Kevin French and his wife, Jill, Chris and Aaron Hoisington survive him.
He was never more content than when he was involved in activities at his St. John Vianney Parish. He filled many roles on committees and ministries over the years and truly missed not being able to participate over the past six months.
John was a man of common sense, love, good humor and an admirable sense of judgment. Friends and family thank him for his laughter, his love and understanding and for teaching us what it means to enjoy life and what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Sonshine Ministry at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.
The Celebration of Life Memorial Mass will be held on January 20th, 10:30 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 12600 84th Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034.
