We Remember
FRANCE, Dr. Kenneth Alan
—
Dr. Kenneth Alan France passed away on July 4th at the age of 95. He was survived by his children: Sue Chambers (Dick), Ken (Andrea), and Michael “Barney”; his grandchildren Andrew Chambers (Meredith) and Brittany France (Aki); and his great grandchildren: Simon Chambers and Giorgos and Michalis France. He was predeceased by his wife, Anne and his grandson Jeremy Chambers.
Alan, the son of Mabel and Oliver France, was born and raised in Kelowna where he spent his whole life, with the exception of his university days at UBC and Queens and his service during WWII. As a young man, he excelled in track and field, tennis, and mainly badminton. He competed successfully in badminton at the university and national levels. During WWII Alan became Squadron Leader of Bomber Command 432, flying 24 sorties. He rose to the rank of Wing Commander, the youngest in the Air Force at 22 years of age. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery.
Kelowna people may remember Alan as a Family Practitioner who delivered generations of the local babies. He was also known as the doctor on the mountain when the ski patrol brought down injured skiers in the early days of Big White.
The France family enjoyed many years at Big White starting with owning the first porta-cabana, then a unit in Ten Skiers Motel before building their own chalet. Another favourite home was the house in Joe Rich where there was always something to build or repair, wood to chop, roads to plow, gardens to grow and the formation of many friendships.
Anne and Alan were known for their camping and trailering throughout BC, the Yukon and Alaska. Not only did the family enjoy these trips but also several friends joined them over the years. There was nothing that Alan enjoyed more than sitting around a campfire.
The family would like to thank all those people who helped out Mom and Dad after Dad could no longer drive. In addition, the staff at Mountainview has been invaluable as well as becoming good friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Springfield Funeral Home on July 22 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to CNIB.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
July 22 at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for FRANCE, Dr. Kenneth Alan is scheduled for July 22 at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
So sad to hear of your father’s passing. Memories come flooding back of times spent with the France family when Keith and I were young. Pleas accept our most sincere condolences…our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Al was a wonderful man. Here is a favorite picture of Simon with his “GG” (Great Grandpa)
Sorry to read about your Dad’s passing. Was thinking about the 50th. anniversary of the Okanagon 100 mile water ski marathon on Canada’s 150th. birthday . Your Dad drove for Ken and I thru whitecaps and calm waters that day and it will always be a fond (and painful) memory. Best wishes to your family. Den
Don and Shirley Warner send their love and condolences to Sue, Ken and Michael. Due to health they are unable to attend the service.
Dear Ken, Mike Susan and families:- It is with great sadness that Bitten and I have learned of your father`s passing. I practiced for some years in the Knox clinic along with Alan and considered him a close colleague and friend. Bitten worked closely with your dad at the Glenmore lab for several years and we both share many memories of this wonderful man. Unfortunately we will be away in the north for your father`s service but our thoughts will be with Alan and you guys on Sat.
Respectfully submitted:- Jim and Bitten Tisdale
Our sincere condolences to Dr. France’s family on his passing.
He delivered my first born son ,
January 12, 1968.
Sincere regards,
Barbara Easton and son Christopher
Kelowna, BC
Jim and I loved this man! He was A wonderful citizen, physician, and friend. We loved his sense of fun and adventure and especially the devilish twinkle in his eye!
We have lost one of the good ones.
Al was one of the four WW2 veterans to graduate in the Med’s ’54 class of Queen’s University. A most respected and admired classmate and a friend to all. On behalf of Med’s ’54 our condolences to Sue, Ken and Mike and their families from all his classmates.
Ken Appleby, Permanent president, Med’s ’54
Dr. France was our family doctor for 33 years. He saw me through 4 c-sections and agreed to the last one being on his Golf Day as it was also my husbands birthday. When I took my baby daughter[who will be 50 in Sept], in to see him for her 6 week check-up, there was also a 26 of Canadian Club wrapped in the blanket. That was my husbands thanks for his birthday present.. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I was glad to have seen him for a few minutes at the coffee shop last fall. He will be missed. Diane Davies
Sue, Ken, and Barney,
So sorry to hear of “Uncle Al’s” passing. We have many fond memories (from what I can remember) of both he and your Mum.
Sunday night dinners before heading back to Vancouver… telling the nurses to hide my leg so I couldn’t escape. Hope you are all okay. D.
Sue, Ken and Mike – so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Great memories of “Big Al”….. such a kind, fun loving, gentle man . Warm thoughts, Shelley
I was saddened to read of the passing of Dr. France. Mi had the privilege of working with him at The Knox Clinic. Condolences to the family.