Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
William French Memorial
William French Memorial

William French

William French

Friday, October 17th, 2014

    SFC William Edward French, age 66, of Concrete, WA passed away last weekend.   “Bill” or “Butch” as he was known to his friends and family, was a disabled veteran who served as a career soldier in the Army for over 20 years before retiring and eventually moving back to his hometown of Concrete. 

    After graduating from Concrete High School he worked in the logging industry before enlisting in the Army in 1967.  He survived the TET offensive as an infantryman in Vietnam in 1968 and returned home in 1969 to marry his high school sweetheart, Sue. 

   He re-enlisted and attended Airborne Jump School in 1969, earning his Airborne wings and then transferring to Alaska and serving from 1969-1975 as an instructor for cold warfare survival training.  He later went to military cooking school in Fort Lee, VA and served as a mess hall sergeant.  Additional duty stations included Greece and Germany, with many years served at Fort Lewis, WA, in between overseas assignments.

    After retiring from the military, additional careers included working at Dairy Queen, Loggers Landing, and Grandy Creek  Grocery, where he loved to chat while enjoying his coffee.

    He also loved spending time with his friends and family, accessorizing his vehicles, and hunting.

    Bill is survived by his wife Sue; their two children, Duane French of Rockport, WA and Melisa “Lisa” French of Lynn, MA; his siblings; Anne Leopard (Verlon) of Sedro- Woolley, Walt French (Becky) of Birdsview, and Barbara Longenecker (Bob) of Honesdale, PA; his beloved friend, Glenn Strong (Ann) of Maricopa, AZ; his grandsons,  Kendall, Caleb, Conner, Sean, and Mason of Rockport, WA; his great-granddaughter, Payton; his nephews; Clayton and Michael Longenecker; his niece, Anne Jordan.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Doris French.

    A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at Concrete High School in “The Commons” on Saturday, October 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guestbook

  • Ted W Anderson

    I well remember the first time I met hiim, it was in our backyard in Birdsview.He was wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a cigar clamped firmly in his teeth. He said; Here Charlie have a cigar, I come to trade cars with you! It was 1954 ford bright green, 6 cylinder 3 speed with overdrive, he drove away in our 1949 chevrolet. That was how Vern Sims got his start at Berglund Motors, by working long after everyone else was done for the day! I bought my first good car from him a 1955 chevrolet that belonged to a ferry captain. Over the years I worked for him and he was the best man I ever worked for, if you worked hard he respected you if you didn’t you were not around long! When I created FFACTS in support of the logging industry during the Spotted Owl contoversy Vern paid 1,500 a month and furnished a new vehicle in support of his friends during a hard time. When I ran for County Commissioner the Sims Family supported me through thick and thin and asked nothing in return. I can’t believe he is gone, he was always bigger than life and he did so very much for his community and friends! I will always be grateful to him for the many great moments we spent together, fishing in Alaska Vern and I both loved onions so he brought a 25lb bag. Everyday we made lunch with a slice of onion on both sides of the sandwich, we cooked them in our breakfast potatoes as well, finally Tom Perkins said; I like onions as well as the next man but not every day on everything.I could go on forever but I leave you with a line from Rudyard Kipling; Though I have belted you and flayed you you are a better man than I am. Vern Sims was quite simply a better man, that was loved by all who really knew him. R.I.P. my friend!

  • David Bricka

    My deepest condolences to Sue and family. I have such fond memories of our days of opening up the Sedro-Woolley Dairy Queen. Butch was a great person. Peace to you all

  • Geoff Cook

    prayer goes to the family couldn’t ask for a better person. He’s watching down on all of us and will always tell him good morning when I say prayers God Bless You all

  • Gaye Anderson Ashbach

    My prayers are with all of Butch’s family and close friends. I had the pleasure of seeing him after many years along with Wally, my old buddy from school, just a month or two ago at the store where he was a regular. I am grateful for his treating my daughter (Angie) as if she were his own and helping her all that he did. He was a good man and his sort of goodness goes through and through and never goes unrewarded. RIP and thank you for your service to our country.

  • Angie Spangler

    I first met Butch 9 years ago when I went to work at Grandy Creek grocery. He was an instant friend. He was thoughtful and loved cooking meals for us, whether a birthday, a new “Butch Creation”, or a lavish meal for the store party. He was there with us everyday, even when he was not an employee. He always lent a helping hand. Butch was quick to come to our defense with an unruly customer and was not afraid to follow someone outside threatening to “kick their butt”, if he believed they had crossed the line, even kicking the car door in on one occasion. He loved to visit with everyone that came in and loved to give treats to their dogs. I will miss his ear to listen, his shoulder to cry on, his funny funny sense of humor, his presence everyday. I have so many wonderful memories I will always cherish.

  • Linda (Miles) Lundberg

    My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May your Family, Friends & Many Happy memories help in the days to come. You have a Very Special Guardian Angel looking down on you 24/7. Take Care, I Care.

  • Sherrue Iund Bond

    To Susie, your family and the siblings of Butch:
    I am saddened by your loss of Butch and send you and the entire family sincere condolences. During our high school days at CHS it was always obvious that you and Butch were devoted to and made for each other. He always struck me as a strong, devoted fella, mature beyond his age. Our little “nest of friends” is getting smaller and smaller with the passing of each classmate.
    Butch, you had a wonderfully full life of love, adventure and dedication to your Country. Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten.