HomeMy WebLinkAbout02132020 Historic Preservation Laydown - John French re {, i3, ? oao
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In Memoriam L- c1 y .I n
WHEREAS, the Seward City Council is joined together in memoriam to honor the
life and loss of Historic Preservation Commissioner John French, PhD; and
WHEREAS,John was a kind and beloved resident of Seward whose passing will be
felt throughout the community for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, John was devoted to the betterment of Seward, having served on the
Historic Preservation Commission for over 12 years and the Prince William Sound
Regional Citizens' Advisory Council for over 10 years; and
WHEREAS, John contributed both his professional and personal experience and
skills to writing and editing of the 2017 Seward Historic Preservation Plan; and
WHEREAS, John was passionate about preserving the history and memory of the
Fort Raymond Subdivision and the Jesse Lee Home, in whatever form that may take.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Christy Terry, Mayor of the City of Seward, do hereby
recognize the commitment and devotion of Dr.John French to the City of Seward, and on
behalf of the entire community, extend my deepest sympathies to his friends and family.
Dated this 10'' day of February, 2020. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
:rill 1 Christy Terry, Mayor
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John S. French (1949-2020)
John Storrs French (aka Jessie), 71, passed away in
his home in Seward, AK, on Jan. 24, 2020. John r ti ` " .
was born Jan. 17, 1949 in Philadelphia, PA, son of S F. •'° '.•�``
Arthur Bancroft French and Margret Storrs French. " -
He spent most of his youth in Ann Arbor,Michigan,
where he graduated from Pioneer High. He then
went on to Oberlin College where he graduated in
1971. He spent two years in Malaysia with the +1
Peace Corps. He then went back to school at the
University of Michigan where he received his PhD
in Biological Chemistry. This was followed by a -�
postdoctoral position at UC Berkeley.
He joined the University of Alaska as a professor in phiptirir
the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in early
1980's. Subsequently he held University positions
in Anchorage, Kodiak, and Fairbanks. He retired
from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, in 1990's
and moved to Seward. He continued consulting as
an Environmental Toxicologist until his death.
John was passionate about the environment especially in the coastal and marine Alaska
as well as the rights of native peoples. He was active in Seward civic affairs until his
death.
John is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret S. French and by his father,Arthur B. French.
He is survived by four brothers, Harry French of New York,NY, Rowland French of Portland,
OR, Art French of Estes Park, CO, Charles French of Big Timber, MT and a sister Julia French
of Salt Lake City,UT.
Memorial service arrangements are pending. Condolences and well wishes may be left with
brother Art French, 1399 Meadowdale Ln, Estes Park, CO 80517 or email
JSFrench.memories2020@a,gmail.com. If you wish to be notified of memorial service
arrangements please also email to the above.
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