Obituaries

 

William George French

Passed 1/19/2026

Text:

Obituary For William George French

The family of William George French with sadness, announce his peaceful passing on January 19, 2026 in the Halifax Infirmary at age 87. Born in Glace Bay in April, 1938, he was the son of the late William French and Myrtle (Guile).

In 2019, Bill met and married the love of his life Linda Ashton and they shared 6 loving years together.

In his early years, Bill was in the military and was a Sergeant and first flute in the Stadacona Band, followed by playing in a band with Shirley Field and travelling the United States and Canada. He was an accomplished yodeler and singer. He also worked with the Commissionaires in Halifax in his later years as well as various other jobs and played in the Sackville Community Band.

William is survived by his loving wife, Linda French of Halifax; brother, Bryan (Edna) French of Calgary, AB, stepbrother, Eric (Sheila) Guile of Halifax, NS; two sons, Dennis French of Sooke, BC, Billy French of Labelle, NS; two daughters, Laura Knight of Comox,BC , Lisa (Michael) Swinimer of Middle Sackville and stepdaughter Katrina Black. He was predeceased by sister, Ruth (Glen Titmarsh) Gay, Glacé Bay. He is survived by many nieces and nephews in addition to many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Special thanks to the staff of unit 4.1 Ortho at the Halifax Infirmary.

Cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held at the Calvin Presbyterian Church, 3311 Ashburn Ave, Halifax, NS on January 31, 2026 at 2:00pm.

Private interment will take place at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton, NS.

Any donations can be made in his memory to the SPCA.

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Condolences

  • 01/31/2026

    Pamela Geddes

    Bill's funeral today was full of love and memories and music. My condolences, Linda and Peanut and the rest of your family. Hearing "Yellow Bird" was great, I sang it in the lab 2 days ago when a colleague wore a yellow sweatshirt. I loved Bill's flute playing and his personality!

  • 01/31/2026

    Patricia Geddes-Lane

    Linda, I knew Bill French as a dedicated musician who played at Calvin Presbyterian Church from time to time when he was able. On 18 Dec 2022, I was at Cobequid with my husband Jim and could not play the prelude on my violin that morning with my sister Pam (cello) and Faith Daley (music director and pianist). Bill filled in for me on short notice, and did an excellent job with my 'messy' music! (Bill probably didn't have to look at it!) They played Joy to the World, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Away in a Manger, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Twas in the Moon of Wintertime and Christians Awake! Bill was such a professional musician, willing to give of his time. In the coming days, keep good memories close to you. Pam and I are praying for you. -Pat Geddes-Lane

  • 01/26/2026

    Harold and Marian Smith

    To Linda and the family of Bill we send out sincere sympathy to you, we know Linda Gods love and care will be with you during this time, God Bless and we will be seeing you at Calvin,

  • 01/25/2026

    Paul Clarke

    My thoughts and prayers to Bill's family. I had the privilege of playing with Bill in Scotia Winds. He was always upbeat and told wonderful flute stories. He was a fantastic flutist with an incredible musical memory that was dazzling. I'll be thinking of you Bill when I play through some of the music you gifted to me. I know you are swinging with that big band up there. Paul Clarke

  • 01/24/2026

    Bubba Pino

    Please except my condolences to his family in this very sad time, you're in my thoughts and prayers I remember I would ask Billy to play me Swinging Shepherd Blues on his piccolo , because I really enjoyed it and he always would. He'll be missed Bubba Pino cousin son of (Alma (French) Pino

  • 01/23/2026

    Laura

    I remember when I broke my ankle a few years ago. Dad called me every single day to check in with me. He knew a lot of my pain was mental as I felt so confined. I shall never forget his care and concern during this time. I'll miss our calls though I'm still talking with you, Dad. ❤️

  • 01/23/2026

    Claire Snyder

    Gentle thoughts and prayers during these difficult days to the French family. My heart goes out to you Linda. Claire Snyder(cousin)

  • 01/22/2026

    Sharon

    So sorry for the loss to the family. Thinking of you here in Glace Bay. Cousin Sharon Romeo Maclean.

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