FRENCH, Leo “Warner” French

March 23, 1937 - August 18, 2025

With our deepest regret and sadness, we said goodbye to our beloved husband, father, and grandfather on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 88 years of age in Sarnia, Ontario. Warner had been in fragile health for the past year and a half, until he lost his mobility altogether this past spring. He remained at home, lovingly cared for by his wife, Rosemary, and son, Tim. Warner had a fulfilling and satisfying life surrounded always with love and support from Rosemary, and sons, Tim and Terry. He was deeply loved by his only grandchild, granddaughter Sarina French of Toronto. He was the only surviving member of his family, after the passing of his beloved sister, June, in 2020, and his older brother, Gerry, who predeceased him in 2013. He recently lost his sister-in-law, Patricia French of Burlington, in May of this year. Warner leaves behind several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins in both Ontario and Quebec. Warner was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. He began his career as a teacher in 1959 where he taught for 10 years. In 1969, he and his young family relocated to St. Catharines, Ontario, where he taught for another 14 years. In 1980, feeling a change was necessary in his career path, he returned to academia at SUNY, at Buffalo, NY to obtain his Masters degree in Speech Pathology. While Warner concentrated on his degree and studies, Rosemary became the breadwinner of the family until he graduated and began practice as a Speech Pathologist in Woodstock, ON in 1983. By 1986, a golden opportunity arose in Sarnia, ON with the Lambton County Board of Education to develop a Speech program for the local board of education. He loved his time with the board which took him to his retirement in 2002. Education and learning were his passion and working with young minds and children with some speech delays were what he loved best. Even after his official retirement, he continued in a part time capacity as Speech Pathologist with the native community in Kettle Point until 2007. The family wish to acknowledge and thank the many people in the health care community who made Warner comfortable in the last three years while his health began to deteriorate: our family NP, Renee Schenk and her staff, his devoted nurse, Deb O’Kone, the PSW teams from VON who attended him daily, Bayshore Health PSWs for a period of 15 weeks following his hospital release in April, Care Partners who provided respite services in recent weeks. and Dr. David Kim who took special interest in Warner and followed his decline in health for the past 2-1/2 months. A special thanks is also due to Janet Griffin, Care Co-Ordinator, OHAH, who facilitated the extra services when needed. Warner was a quiet but gentle man, in every sense of the word. He was somewhat reserved but never failed to extend a warm handshake to anyone who befriended him. He loved his Montreal Alouettes CFL team even when they lost, but followed the Toronto Blue Jays with true Canadian pride. He will be fondly remembered by many of our former neighbours and work acquaintances. A Mass for Christian Burial will be celebrated at Queen of Peace Church, 566 Rosedale Ave., Sarnia, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. followed by reception, location to be announced. Cremation arranged by Smith Funeral Home. Interment will take place at a later date in Montreal. Donations in memory of Warner may be made online to St. Joseph’s Hospice or a charity of choice (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.