May 8, 1939 – April 19, 2017
Beloved husband of Lily Gray for 55 years. Devoted father of Kevin (Meg Connell), Kent (Mary-Ann), Wendy (Grant Moffatt), Tom (Heather). Dearly loved grandfather of Aidan and Caroline; Alexander and Thomas; Emily and Amanda Moffatt; Colin, Julie, Nicole and Allison. Son of the late Thomas and Olive French. Brother of Ronald French, Barbara (Bob) Moffatt. Brother-in-law of Leona Goodfellow (Pete – deceased), Joe (Elaine) Gray, Laura Gray (Sam – deceased), Jim Algie (Nancy – deceased). Predeceased by Jim Gray, Annie and Don Fieldhouse. Wilson was an active member of the Albion Bolton community throughout his life. He will be remembered for his true interest in family and friends, and for just wanting to have a chat. Those chats could be at the coffee shop with the boys, local fairgrounds or tractor pull or leaning over the back of the always-red farm pick-up. Wilson and Lily, in true partnership, operated a successful family farm for many decades in the area.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) Sunday afternoon from 2 o’clock to 5 o’clock.
Funeral service will be held in Holy Family Church, 60 Allan Drive, Bolton, on Monday, April 24 at 2 o’clock.
Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to St. Mike’s Hospital Foundation, Heart and Vascular Ward, 30 Bond Street, Toronto M5B 1W8 or Caven Presbyterian Church, 110 King Street West, Bolton L7E 1A2.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Janet, Hank, Jessica and Hannah Arnold
Thinking about your family during this difficult time. Sorry for your loss.
Kevin Holmes
I am very saddened to hear of Wilson’s passing. I found it a pleasure to work with Wilson over the years as both a puller and COTPA executive member. I apologize that I may not be able to make the services, but my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. He and Old Smokey will be remembered by many!
Brenda (Goodfellow) Mayes
Lily, Kevin, Kent, Wendy & Tom
Oh, what an iconic legend Albion Township has lost. From the elevators, the Red Tractors, pickups, seeing all of you at the tractor pulls. I remember the pulls 40 years ago at Erin and other areas. My youngest, Ryan, was fortunate to participate in the Bolton Fair kiddie tractor pulls and won one of Wilson’s trophies, “recycled” for the kiddie pull. I will never forget seeing him stuck in traffic on Main Street, Listowel (with Darren) trying to have a conversation with me on the sidewalk, -because I spotted the red pick up truck. Rest in Peace Wilson. Hugs to all of you.
Brenda, Earle, Lee, Thomas & Ryan Mayes (Goodfellow)
Donna Taylor
Lily and Family,
Thinking of you at this difficult time. I have many fond memories of times spent with you and Wilson.
Donna Taylor
Rob, Jen and William Ford
Dear Lily, Tom, Wendy, Kent, Kevin, and Family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. We are very saddened to hear of Wilson’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. Love to you all.
Lorna McMahon
So very sorry to hear of Wilson’s passing. My deepest sympathy and condolences.
Beth (Moffatt) & Larry Creighton
Dear Lily & Family<
It is with much sadness hearing of Wilson's passing, our sincere condolence to all of you , our thoughts & prayers are with at this difficult time. The Moffatt family have known the French family for years & we certainly have cherished their friendship. RIP Wilson, we have many good memories.
Heather Laidlaw
So sorry to hear about your loss. You and all your family will be in our prayers.
Heather Stewart Laidlaw
Patti and Len Foley
Heather and Tom – thinking of you and extending our sincere sympathies to you and all of your family
Christopher Evans
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. You are all in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Dan & Susan Adams
We just heard of Wilsons passing this morning & were deeply saddened. Our heartfelt condolences to you all at this difficult time.
Joanne Grove
Remembering Wilson fondly. Our condolence
Joe & Joanne Grove and Charles Goodfellow and Irene Goodfellow
Sue and Dan Hayes
Dear Lily and family.
We just heard about Wilson’s passing from Danny and we are sorry for your loss. Wilson was a tremendous character .
Hold your memories close.
Sue and Dan
Cindy Pillsworth
Lily and family
I am so sorry for your loss and heart ache. Wilson was a great man and such a gentleman. I remember all the fun stories that we have shared.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during such a difficult time.
Cindy
Osama Arifullah & Rachel Matsumura
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this emotional and difficult time.
Frances Goodfellow
Lily, Heather, Tom and family,
Our sincere condolences to you all. Wilson will be very much missed but he is resting now, keeping Roy company. Memories of him will keep him alive in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott and Frances Goodfellow
Cam Lindsey
My condolences to your wonderful family. Sorry for your loss.
Donna Speers
Lily and Family
My deepest sympathy to you Lily and your family. I always new that when Blayne was at your house on the farm , many years ago, that he would always be well looked after by both you and Wilson. To both Kent and Tom who spent a lot of time at my house while teenagers my condolences on the loss of your father. Wilson will be very sadly missed around the Bolton area. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Donna Speers
Sharon & Mark
Aunt Lily, Kevin, Kent, Wendy and Tom, and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Uncle Wilson was a great man. I have many fond memories of him. He surely left a mark on many lives.
May he rest in peace.
Stay strong.
Love Sharon (Goodfellow) and Mark Inkster.
Mary Ann JOHNSTON
Lily and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mary Ann Johnston
Greg &Helen Manion
We are sorry to hear of Wilsons passing I always enjoyed our conversations at Cathy’s Resturant
Doris and Brenda Duncan
To Lily and Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time. We were so very sorry to hear the sad news of Wilson’s passing. Wilson was a wonderful and devoted family man. He will be missed by all who knew him.
God Bless,
Doris and Brenda Duncan
Willa Woodill
I am sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Willa Woodill
Kelley (codlin) Bryant
My deepest sympathy to the French family. Memories with Wilson and family was tractor pulls and visit’s to your farm.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Kelley ( Codlin) Bryant
Brian Stewart
Lily, Kevin, Kent, Wendy, Tom,
Thinking of you all as you go through this difficult time. Wilson is fondly remembered by me in many ways.
Brian
Donna and Frank Duck
Lilly sorry to hear of your loss. We have known each other for years and we are thinking of all the good times. We are feeling sorrow for your family at this time. Donna and Frank Duck and Family
Ron and Jackie codlin
Hi just heard the sad news He always had time to talk to people I don’t have a lot of memories but the ones I do are lasting ones
Bruce and Lisa Cameron
Dear Tom, Heather, Lilly and family,
Please accept our most heartfelt condolences and know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Wilson will be remembered as a true “salt of the earth” gentleman who’s life brought many gifts. May all the happy memories bring you comfort and peace.
Joyce MacKinnon
Dear Lily,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this very sad time.
Prayers for this new journey that you now all travel without your guide, your best friend and partner.
Joyce
Ursula-Anna Dehne
To Lily and Family
Please accept our most heartfelt Sympathies for your loss.
Our thoughts are with you and your Family during this difficult time.
Ursula Dehne and AlbertClarkson
Bruce Gray
Sorry to hear about Uncle Wilson. He will be missed
Ann Hutchison
I am so sorry to hear about Wilson. He was such a nice gentle man. My thoughts are with you and your family
Bill Newhouse
Dear Lily and family, Please accept our deepest condolences in the loss of Wilson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Bill and Betty Newhouse
Myra Hewitt
Dear Kevin. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Losing a parent, no matter what age we are, is so difficult. It must be particularly difficult because your father seems to have been such a grounding force for your family. My thoughts are with you and yours.
Tammy Gray
Aunt Lily, Kevin, Kent, Wendy and Tom, and families…
My deepest condolences for the loss of Uncle Wilson, he always had a wonderful smile when ever you saw him…He will be missed but not forgotten.
Tammy Gray and Colin Paddon
Linda McKee
Sorry for your loss and our deepest sympathies. We will be thinking of you this weekend.
Kevin and Linda (Stewart) McKee
Jeff Spence
To Kevin and the entire French family, My condolences on the passing of your father. It has been many years since we have connected but I reminise about the Mayfield days and felt compelled to send you this message. Jeff Spence
Paula Reardon
To Kent , Mary-Ann & Family
Our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce, Paula, Joe & Christopher Reardon
James Healey
He is now resting in the big cornfield. During our few conversations, Wilson always had something interesting to say and listen too. RIP.
Ken and Christina Graham (Leavens|)
To the entire French family,
Under different circumstances, Wilson might have starred with John Wayne in a Western movie, but Hollywood’s loss is Bolton’s gain. Fortunately Wilson decided to do something more productive, like farming, and with Lily raised four great kids. With machinery for Wilson, it was always bigger, better and more powerful and that led to the start of the Bolton Tractor Pull. It was so nice to honour Wilson a few years ago. Lily and Wilson were like two peas in a pod. Bolton will miss all the contributions of such a dynamic guy.
Ken and Christina Graham ( Leavens )
Sally Cairns
I am so sorry for your loss, Daryll talks fondly of Wilson all the time. He was an ispiration to many. Thoughts to you all.
bob and shelley Livingston and family
Were so sorry for your loss. A true pillar of the the community we have lost with Wilsons passing . Our deepest sympathy to the entire wilson family
Joe and Jean Van Tichelen
Sincere sympathy and condolences to the French family
He will certainly be missed by family and friends. RIP.
Rolan and Mary Robinson
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family
Joyce Norrid
Lily thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. My sincere sympathy to you all. Joyce Norris
Marjorie McKee
So sorry for your loss Lily and all your family.Prayers and hugs to you all.
Marg Pilson
Lily, and All the French Families,
The Bolton community have lost another one of the ” good old boys ”
Sharing memories from a very long time ago.
My sincere condolences to all.
Marg Pilson
Carol and Mark Jay and family
Truly saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Wilson. We hope that you find strength through one another at this very difficult time. Remember the good times , cherish the memories and celebrate the life he had. He will be missed.
Love and hugs
Carol, Mark, Kellan, Brennan, and Eric
Lorne Jenkinson
To Lily and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss of Wilson. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May all the wonderful memories of Wilson help you through this very sad and difficult time.
Lee and Avril wilkinson
Sorry to hear of the loss of Wilson . He will be missed by yourself and family . Wilson and you have been friends for years. Love Lee and Avril and family.
carol moffatt
Brian thought very highly of Wilson he will be sadly missed sorry for your loss God Bless
Brian and Carol Moffatt
Del Cressman
Very sorry to hear of Wilson’s passing..My condolences to the family…I didn’t see Wilson often but being a bit like him we always had things to talk about..A great guy that will be missed by many …del
Bruce and Donna Wanless
Lily and all the Family, We were so sorry to hear that Wilson passed away. We knew he had to have the oxygen but never thought this would happen. He will be missed by so many people. Gray Cup won’t be the same without him either. We are in Fla. until the end of the month or we would have done our condolences in person. Thinking of you Bruce and Donna
john matson
my deepest sympathy to the French Family .Wilson put in a lot of time and dedication in all his projects he will be greatly missed
Mark Huggins
To Lily and family:
My heartfelt regrets to all of you. Your family closeness during his life makes this loss harder, but leaves you with many happy memories I’m sure. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you proceed in grieving.
Mark Huggins
Carl and Linda Tiveron(nee Edge)
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to all of your families at this sad time.
Lee Donald
My deepest sympathy goes out to you Lily and your family on Wilson’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you now as they have been constantly in the past. God bless.
Lee Donald
It has been a long and challenging road for you and yours and your constant battle to care for Wilson has been lovingly fought and a personal battle for which you can be proud of.
Daryll Cairns
Truly sorry for your loss. Wilson was a great man and a great influence on so many of us crazy kids who had the privilege of working for him. Some of my most treasured memories are of being at the farm. God Bless!
Paul & Betty Johnston
To Lily and family
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Wilson. He will be truly missed but you have a lot of memories to treasure.
Louise Di Cecco
When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help you find your smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Louise
Erin Winson (Dicks)
I was saddened to hear of Wilson’s passing. What a true gentleman and great ambassador for all things farm related. Many great memories of the tractor pulls and Fall Fairs. I pass along sincere condolences from Mom and Dad as well.
John and Wanda King
Lily and Family
Our condolences on your loss. It’s been many years since our last meeting, but I’ll always have fond memories of Wilson with his big smile, striding across a field, a track, a yard, or even a tent.
John and Wanda Seaforth
Ruth and Darrell Schaffer
Along with our sincere condolences, we are wishing you peace and strength during this difficult time, Ruth and Darrell
Kim Yorke
Kent and Mary Ann (and the rest of French Family)
My condolences for the loss of your father Kent. What a great man
I still remember the story you told when he was in your truck and he fell asleep…..you woke him. Still brings a smile to my face
He will be missed by many
Daniela Del Zotto
Kevin, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I remember our Mayfield days fondly and my heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Kevin & Barb McCrea
We are so sorry for your loss thinking of you and all the family
Lea Anne Leavens
My sincerest condolences to the entire French family during this time of loss.
Maureen and Jim Eberly
To Lily and family
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Paul Norris
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time, so sorry for your loss.
Paul and Darlene Norris and family.
George & Toula Papadeas
Mrs. French, Tom, Heather and your entire family, our heartfelt deepest condolences from the Papadeas (George & Toula) family! I always looked forward to having a chat with Wilson whenever he visited Babalou’s with Tom and the rest of the boys for breakfast or lunch. When I first met him, I would call him “Mr. Wilson”…to which he would respond with…”My name is not Mr.” What I remember most about him was his warm smile and kind words to everyone who worked there.
He will missed but not forgotten.
May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal
Karen Miller
Kevin, Lily and the rest of the French family, my condolences during this difficult time.
Steve & Candy Derbyshire
Lily and Family
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. WIlson’s contributions to the community will be remembered by many.
Steve and Candy Derbyshire
Marcel Parent
Hi Kevin,
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time.
John and Jackie Byrne
To The French Family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Wilson. He was always a pleasure to meet with and was a very innovative farmer. We are in Florida right now and are sorry that we cannot tell you this in person. Our sincere condolences.
Jim Whitestone
I am sorry to hear of you and your family’s loss.
I wish you all well and that you can take comfort in the memories of a life well lived.
Muriel cox.
Sincere sympathies to you Lily and your family on the recent loss of your husband.
Sincerely,
Muriel Cox
wallyTait
sincere sympathy
Karl and Una Schaefer
To Lily and family: So sorry to hear of Wilson’s passing. He will be missed. Our condolences to you and your family.
Glen Gowland
Wilson was such a great man and I wish you all the very best through this difficult time. We tractor pulled together for many years and Wilson and the entire family were always so helpful and kind to our family. He will be greatly missed.
Dave
Dear Lily, my sincerest condolences to you and the whole family, He will be truly missed,
Dave Diamond
Marilyn and Oscar Hunt
Lilly and family
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May God give your strength thru this most difficult time.
Wilson has left his mark in this community and he will not be forgotten.
God Bless
Marilyn and Oscar Hunt
Ken Graydon
To Lily, Kevin, Kent, Wendy, Tom,
So sad to hear about Wilson, a good neighbour for over 50 years, a good farmer, and a good family. Great memories of school bus days with the French quarto and the Graydon duo. Very disappointed not to be able to be with you at the funeral, but much in our thoughts. God bless you all.
Ken, Phyllis, Catherine, Russell, and Sheila
Jim and Heidi Sant
Our sincere condolences to Wilsons family. He will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten by our community for all his hard work and dedication.
Paul Byrnes
Mrs. French & Family,
I was very sorry to hear about Wilson’s passing.
Deepest Sympathy,
Paul Byrnes
Stephen Niepage
To Lily and Family,
Please accept a deepest condolences for the passing of Wilson. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tamara and Stephen Niepage
David & Sheila Lewis
We wish to express our sincere sympathy to you Lily and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Lanny Sleep
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Wilson. The Fairs and Tractor Pulls will not be the same with out him. Lily, Tom and Heather, my thoughts are with you at this sad and trying time.
Christine Nelson
My deepest condolences to the entire French family during this most sad time.
Don And Shawn Slack
Sadden by the loss of Wilson. Condolences to the French family. Many memories of working on the farms as young boys.
Sandra and Dr. Bajaj
So sorry to hear about Wilson. Was always a pleasure to see him and Lily at the office. Condolences from myself and Dr. S. Bajaj.
Randy, Donna Horan & Family
To the Entire French Family We are very sorry to hear of Wilson’s passing. With deepest sympathy, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Catherine McPhail
Tom, Heather, Colin, Julie, Nicole and Allison.
Our thought are with you at this time.
John, Catherine, Neil, Melissa and Sarah McPhail
Rick Fieldhouse
My condolences to Lily, Tom and the rest of the French family. I always liked talking to Wilson about farming, etc. He always had a cool guy vibe about him- without even trying. Watching him and Old Smoky at the various tractor pulls was a highlight for me. I still like to imitate him off the start by revving up the tractor and popping the clutch on my farm once and awhile!! Another one of “the good ole boys” gone. Sorry I won’t be at the service, have the flu/ cold bad. Thinking of you guys.
Murray and Linda Heslop
Wilson has left a legacy of serving in his community and many of you have followed his lead and example. What wonderful memories you all must have. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire French family.
Murray and Linda Heslop and family
Cindy Hood
Dear Kevin,
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Debbie Stephen
Dear Lily,
We were so sorry to hear about Wilson’s passing. Mom talked about him with so much fondness as he was her favourite cousin. Please accept our condolences.
Debbie an Leslie Stephen
Bunny’s daughters
Dolly Goyette
Dear Kevin,
I was very sorry to hear about your father and my condolences to you and your family.
Take care.
Dolly
Jennifer Fieldhouse
Dear Aunt Lily and family,
I am saddened to hear of your loss. The boys, Andrew and Robert, and I are sorry that we were unable to attend today’s service. I remember the first time I met you and Uncle Wilson. It was is Annie’s kitchen and you came in full of stories to tell and Wilson arrived quietly and sat down at the table. He reminded me so much of my Uncle Walter, a cattle rancher in Saskatchewan who also past this year, the same quiet warmth and subtle humour. Two gentle giants. Ben and Jessica were there today and the rest of us were there in spirit.
God bless,
Jennifer Fieldhouse
Neil Boyes
Dear Lily, Tom and Heather, Kent and Mary Ann, Wendy and Grant, and the entire family. We were very sorry to hear about Wilson’s passing, our sincere condolences during this difficult time. Wilson will be missed by many in the community, tractor pull circuit and by everyone that had ever met him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Neil, Rob and Matt Boyes.
Jennifer Intranuovo
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to the French Family
McClellan and Intranuovo Family
Renato Tarditi
My condolence to you Kent and your family.
Peter & Linda Shakespeare
Just received the news about Wilson’s passing from Aunt Bea.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family in this time of sorrow.
With deepest sympathy, Peter & Linda Shakespeare
Ginette Cochrane
Lily, Tom, Heather and family my deepest of sympathies on the loss of Wilson. May you find comfort in your memories.
Maureen Webster
Sorry to hear of Wison’s passing. My sincere condolences Lily to you and your family.
Maureen (formerly Town of Caledon)
Secretary of CAS Clarence W. Pinkney
On behalf of the Members of the Caledon Agricultural Society we wish to express our Condolences to the French Family. Our thoughts are with you.
Madonna and Bert Moore
Dear Lilly
I am very sorry to here of the passing of your husband Wilson. Lilly you are in our thoughts.
Madonna and bert
Frank DeRose
To Lily and Family,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Wilson.
Frank DeRose and family.
Ingrid Van Gelder
My sincere condolences to all the family members, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
James and Bente Rowland
Dear Lilly and family
So sorry to learn of Wilson and for not being able to extend personal condolences to you at this difficult time. He will be missed.
Jim and Bente Rowland
Lonna Speirs
Dear Lily and family: So sorry for you loss.
Sandy & Dennis O'Hara
Please Accept our Deepest Sympathy. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, & community.
Sandy & Dennis O’Hara & Family
Lorne D Ferguson
It is with deep sympathy that we offer our condolences to the family of Wilson French. It was a pleasure to have met and worked with him.
Leslie Stephen
We just heard the news from Auntie Bea, Wilson’s cousin. Our mother, Bunny, who passed away nearly two years ago, shared many memories of her time spent on the farm, even babysitting her younger cousin, Wilson. Included also are the memories of the really big French reunion, when Lily and Wilson kindly offered us their hospitality for a few days. Wilson was bigger than life! We know he will be greatly missed!
Leslie and Debbie Stephen
allan snyder
To Lily and family
So sorry to hear about Wilson. He was a good man.