George’s life started on a farm in Sunnidale Ontario, where he grew up with his four siblings. His family moved to Phlepston when he was a boy. This is where his love for animals began.  There is a beloved story about him riding his bike alongside the herd of cows and guiding them to the new farm on the 5th line. This is also where he me met some of his lifelong neighbours and friends. As a young man George became an auto body mechanic and ventured out to BC. However before long, his love for the farm and his family brought him back to Ontario where, beside his father, he carried on the family farm.  He independently ran a dairy operation and devoted his life to the trade. In his spare time he bowled, he hiked, and thankfully he loved to dance.  At a singles dance, at the age of 47, he met the love of his life. He welcomed Lyla, her two daughters, and her very large extended family into his heart. Time with family became increasingly precious to him, he transitioned the farm from dairy to sheep, and eventually from sheep to crops. During this time he became a beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews, a papa to five grandchildren, and a steady calm presence that we all relied on. Together George and Lyla fixed up the farm house and built a life of love, which they shared with everyone around them.

After a courageous battle with cancer, George passed away peacefully.  He was surround by his siblings, his wife and his daughters at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie on Monday, November 17, 2025 at the age of 73.  George French of Phelpston, beloved husband of Lyla.  Dear father of Sarah Matchim (Scott McCullough) of Toronto, and Cheryl (Josh) Muirhead of Elmvale.  Grandfather of Maxine, Harrison, Aurellia, Finnegan, and Mavis.  Brother of the late Dorothy (survived by Harvey) Beecroft of Barrie, Cliff (Esther) French of B.C, Wilma (Renee) Brakel of Beamsville, and Tom (Peggy) French of Barrie.  George will be missed by his nieces, nephews.  George’s memory and example will be cherished in the hearts and minds of the people lucky enough to have known him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lion’s Club in Elmvale, November 22, 2025 2-5.

Memorial donations may be made to the RVH Cancer Centre.