Obituary of Doug William Thomas French

                                                                            Eulogy for Douglas French

When I sat down the other day to pen some thoughts about my friend Doug, I was reminded that 32 years ago on April 16, 1992 I received a telephone call advising that Kristen was missing. I never thought the events of that day would lead to a friendship of over 30 years.

Although I had contact with Doug and Donna throughout the investigation and trial it wasn’t until June of 1993 when Ivy and I had occasion to see Doug at Tim Horton’s and at that time he invited us to visit with him and Donna. During that evening, he asked if we like playing cards. That was the beginning of numerous card games both planned and without notice. It was also expanded into 6-handed euchre once a month with Bruce and Barb their neighbors. It should be noted that Ivy always kept a record of the wins and losses which Doug would question periodically. I was always moved that Kristen was always present, whenever there was a question in the game Doug would say “What do you think Kristy”. The games became so serious that on a trip to Hawaii we could be seen playing cards in the airport Vancouver.

As our friendship grew, we found we had a lot in common. Doug was a big western music fan and on one of our many trips we went to Branson Missouri. Doug had purchased a new Chrysler which he constantly bragged about. On our arrival in the parking lot of a restaurant the horn started to blow. Doug was unable to shut it off -- so much for Chrysler.

I soon learned Doug was a man of many talents. He loved to work with his hand building and working in his garden where he could be found daily spring, summer and fall, of course under Donna’s direction. One of his projects was adding an addition to his home. He physically undertook the project and I became a member of the French Construction Company.

In early 2000 I approached Doug about the concept of the Child Advocacy Centre. When he found out it was focused on children who had been physically and sexually abused, he willingly volunteered. His management and building skills were soon put to work when we purchased the property at 8 Forester Street and he became the project manager working with the contractor. I remember at one point when he questioned the contractor about metal items on the site at which time he was told that they no longer used wood for studding.

When Doug retired, our trips to Tim Hortons became more frequent. Sometime twice a week. Doug was a very compassionate guy, always thinking of others. Doug loved driving his car and one day expressed to me for the safety of others. He knew his eyesight was failing and he was giving up his driver’s license. I then became the wheel of fortune.

We enjoyed many more miles. We had a trip booked to Portugal, but unfortunately it was cancelled due to Covid. It was a disappointment for all of us, more so for Doug. Even in Doug’s last days he never lost his caring for others. He was always

asking how we were doing, never reflecting on his own pain and suffering. He used to say to me “look at the suffering of others’, I’m not so bad”.

Doug as you know our spouse always has the last word.

My Darling Doug,

I am so blessed to have you in my life. You’re a wonderful husband.

An amazing dad and a good friend to all who knew you. You are a pillar of strength – you are my strength.

I know that you and Kristen are happily together now. Give her my love.

Thank-you for making my life so beautiful. You will remain in my heart and soul forever.

My love for you is eternal.

With love,

Donna

I will miss you my friend

Frank

For those wishing to view the Live Stream of Mr. French's Funeral Mass, please click the following link at Mass time and then click on the LIVE STREAM - MASSES icon on the top left.  https://www.stalfredcatholicchurch.ca/

FRENCH, Doug - Passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at the St. Catharines Hospital at the age of 92. Loving husband of Donna for 53 years. Cherished Dad of Pam (Bill) 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. Great 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 be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews and friends. A special thank you to Frank and Ivy Parkhouse, Bill and Carol Anderson, Bruce Stevens and Evelyn Brown. The family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton Street, St.Catharines on Thursday, April 18 from 2:30p.m.- 4:30p.m. and 6-8p.m. and on Friday, April 19th from 12p.m. -1p.m. Vigil Prayers will take place on Thursday at 3p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 19th at 2p.m. at St. Alfred Church, 272 Vine Street, St. Catharines. Burial at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens in Fonthill to follow. Memorial donations to The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara or a Charity of Choice would be appreciated by the family.