Terry French Obituary

Pagosa Springs resident Terry French died of cancer Thursday, March 31, 2011, at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango. He was 73.

Mr. French was born to Donald and Fay French on May 5, 1937, in McKeesport, Pa. When he was 10, his family moved to Albuquerque.

Mr. French attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he met his future wife, Patricia Barton.

On Nov. 26, 1958, the couple married in Albuquerque.

Mr. French was a banker and salesman in Albuquerque for nearly 40 years. The Frenches moved to Pagosa Springs 16 years ago, where Mr. French owned and operated the NAPA store.

He later became an auto-parts salesman, and his family said he loved working with the people and businesses on his route between Pagosa Springs and Bayfield.

Mr. French was an avid angler and hunter who also enjoyed backpacking and exploring the outdoors with his family. He also enjoyed guiding and teaching young men through his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America.

Mr. French is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia French, of Pagosa Springs; son, Sean French, of Los Alamos, N.M.; daughter, Kathleen Light, of Ketchikan, Alaska; sister, Lette Maloney, of Santa Fe; and one grandson.

A remembrance gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, District II-Southwest Colorado, 1800 East Third Ave, Suite 101, Durango, CO 81301.