Vernon French

FRENCH: Vernon Ross (Vern) May 28, 1929 – March 13, 2015 It is with great sadness and much love that the family of Vernon Ross French of Watrous, SK announces his passing on March 13, 2015 at the age of 85. Vernon was born to the late Benjamin and Pearl French, on May 28, 1929 in Simpson, Sask. He was the fourth in a family of nine. He began his working life at a very young age in a difficult time in our history and continued steadfast until his retirement. He met Jean Ross in Imperial and they were married in November 1952. They moved to Regina soon after and raised their two daughters and son there. In 1973 Vernon and Jean moved to Edmonton, Alberta and he took an opportunity to further his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator with International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955, and was a member for 42 years. He was one of the operators instrumental in the early days of building Syncrude in Fort McMurray. Vernon and Jean were married for 38 years, until her passing in August of 1990. He married his second wife Joanna (McIntosh) in April of 1992, in Watrous. They returned to Edmonton for a short time and after Vern’s retirement moved to Preeceville, SK and were there for several years before finally moving to Watrous. He enjoyed his later years, living near his hometown and being close to his siblings and their families. Vernon is survived by his second wife, Joanna French; his three children Debra Braden, Verna (Phillip) McNabb and Brent (Michelle) French; grandchildren Ty (Susy) Braden, Rhys McNabb, Amanda (Mark) Alexander, Brendan French, Emma French; his great-grandchildren Will and Joey Braden; his step-children Karla McIntosh (Ron Paul), Tracey (Michael) Freed, Krista McIntosh (Greg Staines) and Colin (Leora) McIntosh; grandchildren Terence (Kayla) Jorgensen, Jaxon and Keeli Jorgensen, Kalen and Jordi Freed, Maja, Jade, Callie McIntosh; his sisters Irene Galt, Audrey McCallum, Shirley Crawford and Myrna Rink. He was predeceased by his first wife Jean French and siblings Arnold French, Reta Sivertson, Stan French and Hazel French; and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. A Memorial Service will be held in the Simpson Community Centre, Simpson, SK on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Dr. Kathleen James-Caven. Interment will be at a later date. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation in lieu of flowers “In Memory of Vernon French” to The Canadian Diabetes Association please visit www.fotheringham-mcdougall.com