John Harvey French
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.
11 Responses to “John Harvey French”
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A beautiful Obituary. Our sympathy to all of John’s family and frends. God bless you all.
Jim & Donna Decker
(friends of Jim & Judi Kemp and Terry & Ann Cedar)
To our Aunt Joan and the entire French Family… it saddens me to hear of the passing of Uncle John. He will always be remembered as a Kind Man with a warm hug and a joke or 2 to be shared. May God grace you with the comfort of family and friends at this difficult time and may you feel his presence near you when it’s needed. He will be missed.
Love Always,
Pamela and Christyl Sturrock
John will forever be remembered with a twinkle in his eye and joy in his heart. He has left a rich heritage of faith to his family and friends shown in so many ways. He led by example quietly, kindly and generously helping others in need within his Church as well as civic community. His hospitality in greeting newcomers was well known and made him a favorite. We know … because we have been the recipients of his gifts. May the memory of his goodness bring consolation and peace to Joan and his children.
Blessings, George and Betti Norton
Dear Aunt Joan, Greg, Carol, Jan, Jeff, and Grandchildren,
We will miss Uncle John so very much. He will always be remembered for his love, kindness, and infectious smile and humor.
Our lives have been truly enriched by touching us in his special way.
May God bless you and give you comfort. Our love always, Johanna and Peter
Dear Family,
I am so so very sorry for the loss of John. I cant think of another person in the parish that I enjoyed talking to the most. He was quite the man. His sense of humour was great ! I know that I will surely miss seeing his smiling face . My love and prayers to all of you. Tony.
Dear Family,
I am so so very sorry for the loss of John. I cant think of another person in the parish that I enjoyed talking to the most. He was quite the man. His sense of humour was great ! I know that I will surely miss seeing his smiling face . My love and prayers to all of you.
Best Dad ever……………………..
Major John French was an unsung American hero. He, like so many of America’s greatest generation, performed his duty to his country without fanfare or hope for recognition. Most people do not know that he fought as a U.S. Marine in the battle for Okinawa and later in Korea. Later he became a loving husband and father. I did not come to know John until much later in his life. He was an honored guest in my home, along with his lovely wife, Joan. His generosity of spirit, wisdom, devotion to his family, country and God was apparent to all. His life was personified by the phrase, Semper Fidelis. He will be sorely missed. Well done Marine!
Uncle John was a family member with the gentleness of soul, consistently warm personality and a sense of humor that touched everyone that had the opportunity to spend time with him. He cared for each of us and you would leave his charismatic being with a lifted spirit. The wonderful and special relationship that Uncle John and Aunt Joan had in their marriage was manifested in the joy of the life that was ever present. Aunt Joan will carry on because of the support her family, church community and neighbors have had for John and Joan…what a gift!
Love and hugs from Terry and Ann Cedar
Your husband/father John, was always so warm, kind and friendly towards us throughout the years. We will miss him and his many thoughtful ways, but trust fully knowing he is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Love, The Becker Family, Don, Stacie and Ana Lynn
To Joan, Greg, Jan, Jeff and Family. I heard about Johns passing and was saddened. what a great husband and father your dad was. Although it has been many years since seeing you guys, I have many fond memories of your Husband/Father. His humor was one of a kind. Jeff, if you are in town give me a call @ 206-660-0244. My prayers are with you guys, Always, Jeff Shea and Family.