1937 ~ ALVIN FRENCH ~ 2018

Alvin “Al” Reuben French of Redcliff, loving husband of Joyce French (nee Helement) for 62 years, passed away on Friday, August 31st, 2018 at the age of 81 years. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his four children, Judy (Brian) Donovan, Fay (Paul) Chapman, Lorraine Docken, and Debbie (Marshall) Astika; 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Al was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, one brother, and his son, Darryl French. Al was born in Simpson, Saskatchewan and, when he was 18 joined the Royal Canadian Navy. He met his wife, Joyce in Montreal and they were married on June 16th, 1956. During his military career, he was fortunate to serve in all three elements of the Canadian Forces and as a result travelled to 56 countries. He was posted to both coasts as well as Trenton, ON, Cold Lake, AB and his final base in Suffield, AB where he retired from in 1981. Al and Joyce moved to Simpson, Saskatchewan where Al was Mayor from 1985 to 1987. He worked there for six years before the family returned to Alberta and settled in Redcliff. Al worked for another 12 years as a Commissionaire at CFB Suffield. During this time he was active with the Royal Canadian Legion serving on the Executive, a lifetime member. In 2011, he was the recipient of an Outstanding Volunteer Award and a Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Devotion to the Aims and Objectives of the Royal Canadian Legion. Al was a devoted family man and loved to be surrounded by family. He was well liked by all and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Al’s Life will be held at the REDCLIFF ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, on Saturday, September 8th, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. A luncheon will be served afterward. Memorial gifts in Al’s memory may be made to the Redcliff Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #6, 302 Broadway Avenue East, Redcliff, Alberta, T0J 2P0. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alvin French. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

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