Remembering William James French 'Bill'

Passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family by his side, at the Georgian Bay Hospital in his 73^rd year. Bill is survived by his soulmate and wife Margo of 51 years.

Loving father to Scott (Jennifer Ptolemy) French of Milverton Ontario, Cindy (Derek) Mewhinney of St. Catharines Ontario, and Sandra (Chris) McCann of Caledonia Ontario.   Cherished ‘Papa’ to Alex and Phaedra Ptolemy-French; Ethan, Abby and Claira Mewhinney; Madison and Coulter McCann.  He will also be dearly missed by his sister Betty (Pat) D’Aoust and three brothers Neil (Peggy) French, Doug (Bonnie) French, John French, and sister-in-law Renee French (predeceased by brother Robert) along with his beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

He was born in Midland to Alden and Irene (Beauchamp) French on August 5, 1949.  He was the fifth of six children and grew up enjoying all the area had to offer, including hockey, downhill skiing, fishing, and boating.

His grandfather Mr. Roy T. French purchased Great Lakes Boat and Machine Company in 1938 and built Sunnyside Marina in 1960.  Bill and his siblings grew up on the water and especially enjoyed sailing on the Vacuna, ‘a landmark on Georgian Bay for several generations of cottagers and tourists’.  Bill took over management of Sunnyside Marina in 1971 and shared his love of the water with his wife and high school sweetheart Margo (Van Pypen), and his three children Scott, Cindy and Sandra.  Many of the family’s best memories came from summers at ‘The Shop’ (Marina) or with family and friends on their boat the Aronto.

Forty-two years later the family business was sold, and Bill moved onto a career in the lumber industry, with Midland Buildall – later known as Timber Mart. Bill became a trusted advisor and colleague in the industry, retiring at the age of 67.  His coworkers would remember him for his cookie deliveries, and good sense of humour.

Bill took pride in putting in an honest day of work and was always there when others were in need. He was a jack of all trades and enjoyed a good challenge.  If something wasn’t working, he could fix it. He believed in making the most of what you have, and not wanting for the things you don’t.  Bill looked forward to visits from his grandkids and was always up for a good board game.

Family meant everything to Bill, and the most important family tradition was the French family fish trip, with his siblings.  Bill had a trophy made for the family’s annual bass tournament and the tradition continues to this day with the winning nameplate being added each year.

Family and friends will be received at Carson Funeral Homes – JH Lynn Chapel, 290 First Street, Midland (705) 526-6551 on Friday February 10, 2023 from 6 – 8 pm. A celebration of Bill’s life will take place on Saturday February 11, 2023 at 3pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Midland.  Please join us for refreshments and snacks after the service to reflect on his life and share stories. 

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations to be made to the Calvary Baptist Church (General Fund or the Benevolent Fund Special offering to be used to assist a newly immigrated family who could use a helping hand. Donate online at www.canadahelps.org (insert charity number 106831852RR00001 where indicated on website to make donation to appropriate location))  and would be appreciated by the family if desired.