David Walter French

David Walter French, a man of integrity, a strong work ethic and a deep faith in Christ, died the evening of September 19, 2014. He was born to John Wilber French (1900-1987) and Constance Isabel Hadden French (1902-1985), on March 20, 1935 in Plainfield, New Jersey. He is survived by his two younger siblings, Peter (Grace) of Bradenton, Florida and Ellen (Tim) of Shippenville, Pennsylvania.

Dave loved learning. His favorite teacher was his father. They taught and learned as they worked the farm fields with their one horse in New Jersey. The favored subject was history, but church hymns also were enjoyed. If Dave could sing the proper words to a hymn, then he could choose the next hymn. Dave became a very inventive lyricist but his dad was on to him. That love of learning served Dave well as he earned his degree in mechanical engineering at Clarkson College in Potsdam, New York, 1957 and his master's degree at Steven's School of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, 1965. Dave had a sharp intelligence and a mind for facts, figures and history, along with a gift for communication. He was a natural teacher.

He spent 34 years as a professional engineer with Johns Manville starting in 1957. During that time, he met and married Beverly Smith of Plainfield, and they raised two beautiful children, Jim (1967) and Becky (1970). Dave was named plant manager in Franklin, Pennsylvania in 1970 and plant manager in Denison, Texas in 1972. A few years later, he transferred to the Littleton plant. Over the years, Dave made many contributions to the Pipe Division of JM and added to his record of inventions and improvements along with demonstrated competence for plant administration throughout his career.

Dave served in the U. S. Army Reserves for 11 years and retired his commission as a captain in 1967.

His legacy lives on through his two children, his four granddaughters and his four great grandsons.

The Reformed Church of America became Dave's passion as it was passed on from generations before him. He served tirelessly for many years on the consistory of the church, sang in the choir, volunteered his time and energy, and helped to establish Faith Community Church.

Unwilling to 'retire' both intellectually and physically, Dave remained active, involved and enthusiastically engaged in many pursuits: teaching at the high school and college levels and at church, volunteering at the Shiloh House and Denver Rescue Mission as a mentor and on church missions, working the slope watch ski patrol at Copper Mountain, taking coursework classes, hiking on the Continental Divide, and doing the 11-mile Kalalau trail on Kauai, gardening, dancing, singing, whistling, consulting, traveling (New Zealand, Europe, Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, Turkey, Romania, Greece, Ireland, UK, and others), visiting family and friends along the way.

In 1999, in a dance class, he met me, his Emmy (M. Elaine) and we have shared 12 great years of marriage. In 2011, Dave was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. His mother suffered with AD for around 20 years. Dave accepted his fate with grace and determination to make the best of his remaining good years.

His inurnment will be Friday, October 24, at 2pm at Olinger Mount Lindo. The celebration of Dave's life will be held at Faith Community Church, Saturday, October 25, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Denver Hospice or Faith Community Church.

Heartfelt thanks go to the care givers at Highline Place and Willowcreek Place Memory Care facilities, Denver Hospice, FCC, friends and family for their understanding, unending support and loving attention when it was so needed. Dave is now in God's hands and forever in our hearts until we meet again.

Please share your memories of Dave and condolences with his family by visiting the guestbook www.olingermountlindocemetery.com, or write your thoughts below.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, Centennial, Colorado.