Robert French

Dr. Robert Clive French, 67, passed away Friday, December 16, 2011, in Lethbridge, after a four-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and buoyed by the love of his friends and associates. Robert was born August 23, 1944, in Manchester, England, to Robert Christopher French and Doris Evelyn Hewson. He spent his early years there, then emigrated to Canada with his parents in 1954, settling in Lethbridge. He enjoyed sports of all kinds, playing baseball, and soccer, and was twice a member of the Western Canadian Junior Championship soccer team. Later he switched to coaching and coached Little League teams for ten years. In 2007 he was delighted to be asked to play softball with a local team at the World Senior Games in St. George, Utah. Bob graduated from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in southern Australia, then graduated from Brigham Young University. From 1972 to 1976 he attended Pacific University, where he graduated as a Doctor of Optometry. Over the next thirty years, he practiced optometry in Coaldale, Lethbridge and Brooks, enjoying the chance to meet interesting people from all walks of life. In his church service, Bob enjoyed teaching, speaking, and Scouting, and held various leadership positions. In 1969 he married Nancy Adamson in the Idaho Falls temple. They are the parents of six children: Craig (Angela), R. Wade, Kristen (Nick Radovich), Eric (Sharon), Mark, and Brittany. His nine grandchildren were the joy of his later years. He was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by his sister, Gail (Melvin) Fletcher. In lieu of flowers, write a note to someone who has made a difference in your life. Such letters were a great comfort to Bob as he battled his illness. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Coaldale Chapel, 2216-21 A Avenue, Coaldale, on Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. With Bishop Les Gugyelka officiating. Friends may attend the viewing at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703- 13 Street North, Lethbridge, on Tuesday evening, December 20th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., or meet the family on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. A private interment will be held in the Mountain View Cemetery.

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