Obituary of Gilbert Whitfield French

Gilbert Whitfield French of Quispamsis, New Brunswick passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at the Saint John Regional Hospital due to Alzheimer’s. Born in Collina, Gilbert was the son of the late Whitfield and Anita (Sharp) French. Gilbert started his career as a 4th class marine engineer working on the oil tankers. Upon marrying his soul mate, Gilbert changed careers and became a land loving industrial electrician licensed in several provinces. He worked on many big construction projects such as: Alberta oil fields, Irving Oil Refinery, Colson Cove, pulp and paper mills, Point Lepreau, Saint John Shipyard, LNG, potash mines to name a few. He retired five years ago after a distinguished career. He enjoyed the great outdoors and all it had to offer whether it be meandering the property lines on the family farm or hunting, fishing, and boating with friends and family. Gilbert was a professing Christian and a member of Rothesay Baptist Church (now True Life Church) for over 40 years where he volunteered on the board of trustees, taught Sunday school, and served as a bus captain. He enjoyed the Young at Heart senior’s club during his retirement years. Gilbert is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Elizabeth (Branscombe) French and four adult children: Patricia (Jeff) Smith of Riverview, NB; Darren (Jen) French and Kendall (Susan) French of Hampton, NB; and Stephen French of BC. Gilbert, the second born of three sons, is also survived by his two brothers, Stanley (Shirley) of Ontario and William (Marie) of Bellisle Creek, NB. He will be greatly missed by his by 12 grandchildren: Jordan, Marina, Kyle, Cody, Emily, Kendall, Alexandra, Caitlyn, Steve Jr., Brandis, Christina, Mikayla; 4 great-grandchildren: Wesley, Jack, Ben, Ryver; as well as several nieces and nephews: Peter, Heather, Nancy, John, Sandy, and Brian. Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, NB. Viewing hours 2-4pm and 7-9pm Thursday, February 12, 2015. Service to be held at 2pm on February 13, 2015 at True Life Church (previously Rothesay Baptist Church). Interment will take place at a later date at Springfield Cemetery. Personal condolences can be submitted online at www.kennebecasisfh.com. For those who wish to make donations in Gilbert’s memory can do so to the True Life Building Fund or to the charity of the donors choice.