E. French

Gene E. French, 78 of 63 West Street died Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at home, after an illness. He was born in Athol on August 27, 1928, the son of the late Edward S. and the late Beatrice (Mann) French. Gene was self-employed, owned and operated several businesses including The Little Ponderosa Ranch and Riding Stable in New Salem and Athol Farmers Supply of Athol. He also started The Swift River Bus Co., Inc. in 1975 and operated the business with his son and daughter until 1986. His passion was always horses and he was well known for being a local Furrier from 1963 until 2003 when his illness forced him to permanently retire. Gene was ambitious and full of life. He loved spending time with his family and traveling. He enjoyed the West and looked forward to visiting Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming every year. He leaves his wife of fifty-two years, Sondra M. (MacLean) French; one son, Scott A. French and his wife Diane of CO; three daughters, Judith M. Pollard and her husband James of Athol, Shelley M. Spear and her husband Brian of New Salem, and Wendy J. French-Bolin and her husband Stefan of Naples, FL; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Janet Lincoln. A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Central Congregational Church, 24 S. Main St., New Salem. Rev. Joe Green will officiate. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Gene's memory to the Gardner Visiting Nursing Association, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440 or to the Athol Memorial Hospital, Oncology Unit, 2033 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331. $(document).ready(function(){ });