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FRANK (GORDON) FRENCH
Born: Sep 28, 1940
Date of Passing: Jan 01, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryFRANK (GORDON) FRENCH
The family sadly announces the passing of Gordon on January 1, 2026. Gord was born in Toronto, Ontario on September 28,1940, the youngest of six brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife Joy; son Perry (Holly); daughter Kara (Shane) Hubick; grandchildren, Caitlin (Chase) Mayor, Taylor and Matthew Leckman, Kira (Connely) Chilton and Nicholas French; great-grandchildren, River and Juniper Mayor.
After graduating from Ryerson Institute of Technology in Architecture in 1962, he accepted a position in Winnipeg at Smith, Carter, Searle Architects, thus beginning a long career in the drafting, building, and construction business. He went on to spend over 30 years at Plasti-Fab Product Solutions, retiring from the company in 2006.
Shortly after arriving in Winnipeg, Gordon met his wife Joy and in 1964 they married, quit their jobs, and embarked on a three month adventure, sailing to England, visiting the Scandinavian countries and then travelling Europe via Eurail-Pass.
Gord’s hobbies were fish aquariums and collecting Lionel trains. Gord coached soccer and was involved in Scouts Canada. He loved gardening, watching all sports, Nascar, playing Bridge, Bar-B-Quing, seafood & travelling... He was always happy and willing to lend a helping hand. He was the patriarch of our family and will be greatly missed.
Gordon was cremated and there will be a private family Celebration of Life held on January 25th.
If desired, if you wish to make a donation on his behalf, Gord devotedly supported the CNIB Guide Dogs Charity for many years.
A photo biography honouring Gord’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2026
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I've known Gord & Joy for over 50 years. Our families attended church together, I babysat their children, and taught Sunday School with Joy. Gord was a scout leader for my youngest brother. Even when I lived out if the province, I would try to visit when I came home, and met up again after I moved back to Manitoba. My sincerest condolences to Joy & the family. Love, Cheryl Goodie (nee Fedak) - Posted by: Cheryl Goodie (nee Fedak) (Friend of the family) on: Jan 17, 2026
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Sincere sympathy on your husband’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time and in the days ahead. - Posted by: Betty Grant (Friend) on: Jan 17, 2026
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Joy, Perry, Kara and all extended family and friends. I was deeply saddened to hear of Gord's passing. He was the first gentle "giant" in my life. Always larger than life, quick with a joke and ready to laugh and when the chips were down, the first person ready to lend a hand. I remember many happy days hanging out on Crofton, or the many camping trips we went on with Scouts(both Summer & Winter). I will always remember Gord walking around our Winter camp site in a T-shirt and light down filled vest(this is when the temp was at -30). Though I might not have realized at the time, he was huge influence in my life. I will always treasure those memories of him. Although through time and circumstances we had not seen each other for many years, I still did think of him often and smile. Thank you Gord for being who you were, you will be sadly missed by all. - Posted by: Christopher Fedak (Life Long Family Friend.) on: Jan 17, 2026
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My condolences Joy, Perry, Kara and your family. Gord will be terribly missed. May God be with him till you meet again. - Posted by: Louise Fedak Dahle (Friend) on: Jan 17, 2026
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I’ve known Gord for over 50 years when he started at plasti - fab We would see Gord almost every day at the transcona roofing office Over the years we went to many conferences and dinners together. My dad Jean and Gord were great friends we will truly miss him and we offer our condolences to Joy and family Ron Janice Jean and Irene Simard - Posted by: Ron Simard (Friend) on: Jan 17, 2026
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I knew Gord through Construction Specifications Canada and as a customer of Plasti Fab. Gord was an honest, hard working person who always stepped up. My Condolences for his family and friends. - Posted by: Fred Wright (Business colleague) on: Jan 17, 2026
