Herbert Alfred French

After a brief hospital stay, passed away shortly before his 100th birthday on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Cambridge, Ontario. Bert was born in Oshawa, Ontario on December 26, 1914 and spent his growing up years in Peterborough. He began working in the field of textiles in Peterborough and shortly after his marriage to Elizabeth Grieves he was transferred to Dominion Woollens and Worsteds in Hespeler. He progressed in that company to the position of general manager. Later he was co-owner and manager of Hespeler Fabricators and finally as manager of Silk Knit Company. Music was always an important part of his life. He learned to play the cornet at the age of six and throughout his life he played in a Salvation Army band. He also spent many years as bandmaster in the Salvation Army in Galt, later Cambridge, Ontario. Singing was also one of his interests and he spent some time leading the choir at that same church. Once he retired from the band at the church, he became involved in a small Salvation Army band called Gospel Brass. That group provided musical entertainment at seniors’ homes. He also played violin duets at those concerts and at the church. This involvement continued until his 99th birthday. Service clubs also were a big interest to him. He was a member of Kiwanis for 35 years and on the committee that manages the Cambridge Kiwanis Village. He was also one of the founding members of the Probus club in Cambridge and remained active in both service clubs to the end. He was a member of the Puslinch Lake Homeowners’ Association. Bert was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth and following her death, by his second wife, Marjory (Lavender). Lovingly remembered by his son, Gary (Mary) and daughter, Glenda (Bob) Mac Kenzie, four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, as well as stepson, Glen (Joan) Lavender, three step grandchildren and seven step great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by family, church and the community. Friends and family will be received at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge (519-621-1650) on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 7 – 9pm. A Funeral Service will be held the following day, on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 2pm, with visitation one hour prior at The Salvation Army, 16 Shade Street, Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army – Building Fund.