FRENCH, Geoffrey Scott — After bringing laughter and joy to so many throughout his life,

Geoff passed away peacefully on Aug 30, 2024 at Hospice Niagara with his devoted family by his

side.

Geoff is deeply missed by his loving wife Helen (Lawman); adoring daughters Claire (Cullum)

and Grace (Brett); mother Emmy Sue; brothers Jon, Jason and Jamie; sister- and brother-in-law

Sarah and Kevin Cavanagh; nephews Alastair and Malcolm Cavanagh, nieces Alexia and Kyra

French; and extended family. He is predeceased by his father Bob French and by his in-laws

Roy and Gwen Lawman.

Born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Geoff grew up in St. Catharines, attending Captain John DeCew, Oakridge, St. Catharines Collegiate and Sir Winston Churchill. After attending Brock University,

he headed out west to work at the Banff Springs Hotel during the Calgary Winter Olympics

before returning to Ontario to take a job in Toronto for a few years, ultimately resettling in St.

Catharines to raise a family.

Geoff was easy-going, kind, and most of all, quick witted. Everyone appreciated his sense of humour; his one-liners always triggered bursts of laughter. His patience and compassion were

appreciated by both co-workers and clients in his role as a rehabilitation facilitator with Head

Injury Rehabilitation Ontario and Community Living St. Catharines.

He was passionate about sports, playing hockey, baseball, golfing, and rowing in his youth. He

and his lifelong school friends had great times playing in a local Slo-Pitch league. In later years,

he rekindled his love of hockey in recreational leagues, sharing a close bond with his

teammates on and off the ice. While he was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Toronto Blue

Jays, his true lifelong passion was for the Montreal Canadiens.

Golf, however, was special. Geoff would be on the tee at dawn, through sun, rain, and snow,

and played at several local courses, most recently Rockway Golf Club. He never missed a PGA

broadcast and was fortunate to attend major tournaments such as the US Open. When on

vacation,18 holes were usually in the mix, including playing a memorable round at Torrey Pines,

hitting the links in the UK, and enjoying a frosty beer by the 18th green at Pebble Beach.

More than anything, Geoff loved spending time with his family. In the early days, there were

camping trips in Ontario Provincial Parks, March breaks in Florida, and visits to family in

England.

In later years, Geoff and Helen enjoyed many travels, from celebrating a milestone birthday in

Tuscany with the Cavanaghs, to soaking up the California sun, walking the coast in Portugal,

and touring the Azores with their daughters. There was nothing Geoff loved more than a quick

trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast or the Keys. These adventures brought him much happiness and

gave his family priceless memories. Geoff brought enjoyment and laughter to everyone around,

creating stories that will be retold for years to come.

Above all, Geoff was extremely proud of his daughters, Claire and Grace, and took great comfort in the lives they continue to build for themselves.

The family expresses their thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Walker Family Cancer

Centre, and are truly grateful for the love, care and support they received from the

compassionate team at Hospice Niagara. A special thank you to all of the friends and family

who supported him through his illness.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Geoff's life will be arranged at a later date.

Charitable donations to honour Geoff's memory can be made to Hospice Niagara, and would be

greatly appreciated by the family.