We Remember
FRENCH, Robert “Bob” Alan
August 8, 1945 — August 1, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Alan French on August 1st, 2025 at the age of 79 years old.
Bob was born in Oakland, California to parents Walter “Jack” and Gertrude French on the morning of August 8th, 1945, with his twin sister Linda. When they were infants, the family moved to Boise, Idaho, where Bob spent his childhood and the majority of his teen years.
After graduating from high school, Bob attended college in Boise and Bellingham in his pursuit of a teaching degree. Bob received his B.A. in Education in 1968. Later, in 1989, Bob returned to post-secondary in Victoria and obtained his Master of Education: Curriculum Studies.
In June of 1969, Bob immigrated to Canada after accepting his first job in Fort Kent, Alberta. A few years later, while living in Calgary, he met and married Jeanette French (née Bolton). Together, they raised their son, Ted, and daughter, Tamara, in Valleyview. Bob and Jeanette also had the pleasure of raising their two grandsons, Blake and Brandon. They moved to Kelowna, BC, in 1995 where Bob spent the remainder of his years. Bob looked back fondly at his memories of Valleyview and often spoke of the lifelong friendships they had formed.
Bob had a love for non-fiction books, history, boats, camping, fishing, and tinkering in his shop with his beloved grandson, Brandon. They had many wild and wonderful adventures over the years, especially after Bob retired from his position as K-12 Curriculum/Technology Implementation Consultant with School District #23 in Kelowna.
Bob is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Jeanette; children, Ted and Tamara; grandchildren, Blake (Brisa), Brandon, and Madeline; great-grandson, Caleb; sister Linda (J.L.); niece Kristie; nephew Brian; and his dear cousins. He will also be lovingly remembered by his numerous extended family members and friends in the US and Canada.
“There is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”
A private family service has been arranged.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
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Alzheimer Society of Canada Link: www.alzheimer.ca.
Condolences
I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I knew him as I interpreted for his Grandson. He was so nice and kind. Rest in peace.
Sending my deepest condolences to Bob’s family and loved ones. So many memories from working with Bob at East Smoky Sch. Div. In Valleyview, Ab.
My husband Paul and I were classmates of Bob at Western Washington college at. Bellingham Wa. Our condolences to the family.
I knew Bob in my capacity as a high school teacher librarian, president of COTLA and membership on numerous District 23 committees that Bob either created or played a key part in organizing). He was supportive, visionary, highly informative and a friend of all libraries and teacher librarians. His enthusiasm for the role of libraries and technology in classrooms and services was only matched by his energy level— always doing his very best to support fellow colleagues with solutions to the changes in education. Thank you to his family members for sharing him with us.
My sincere condolences to Jeanette and family.
Sincerest condolences to the family. Fond memories Of Bob with Blake and Brandon.
Dear Jeanette and family,
Thank you so very much for forwarding Bob’s obituary. I really appreciate it and offer my deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa. Sadly, I never had the pleasure of meeting you and Bb and your family, but I have followed his adventures on Facebook ever since I “discovered” him while doing family genealogy research. Bob and I were first cousins once removed. My mom, Rosamond Watson Plowhead was the daughter of Bob’s grandmother’s (Birdie Vanderpool French) sister (Sarah Elizabeth Vanderpool Watson). I have fond memories of visiting the Frenchs in Wilder, ID as a child. My family lived in Caldwell near my Watson grandparents until I was 10. At that time we moved to Corvallis, OR. I’m sending all of you big family hugs.
Joanne Cushman (nee Plowhead)
I was shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Bob, I always thought of him as a happy, gentle soul with a zest for life. I will think of him often. Jeanette my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Condolences to Jeanette and family. Yvonne worked with Bob at East Smoky School Division for a number of years. We also bought your house in Valleyview when you moved to Kelowna.