Hjalmar E. French, of The Plantation at Leesburg, died May 22, 2024, in Leesburg Hospital Florida. He died unexpectedly, but peacefully, of Pancreatitis. He was 83 years old.
Hjalmar was born October 4, 1940, in Wyandotte, Michigan. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959, where he served aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany and USS Coral Sea during Vietnam. During his service he served as a Naval Aircrewman, Jet Mechanic and Administration man in both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Senior Chief Petty Officer Hjalmar E. French was honorably retired in 1979. Hjalmar continued his service supporting the Navy as the Executive Director of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society headquartered at Whidbey Island, Washington, from 1980 until 1991 where he finished his working career to enjoy full retirement.
Hjalmar loved all things technical and was proud to support The Plantation residents and others with their computer setups, updates and repairs. He loved ballroom dancing, camping, motor homing, boating, fishing, hunting, car mechanics, wood working, pool, golf and 40 plus years of bowling with his wife Dell and many friends. He was proud of his perfect bowling score of “300”. He enjoyed all the golfing groups he played with over the years. One of his proudest moments was scoring a golf game of 75 when he was 75 years old. Hjalmar enjoyed spending time with all his family and friends and all who visited the guest house.
Hjalmar is survived by his children: Son Donald Davis (Judy) and their children, son Connor Davis (Rumor Hayes), daughter Courtney Levang (Andrew); Son Danny Davis (preceded in death) his children, son Grason Davis (Amber) daughter Christine Tareen (Haider); Son Ralph French (Paula) and their children, daughter Anne Johnson (Shane), son Carl Sparks (Melissa), son Hjalmar French; Daughter Darlene Childress (Allen) and their children, son Alexander Childress (Jennifer), daughter Jamie Childress; Daughter Hjalma Travis (Don) and their children, daughter Brandy Riesner (Chris), son Danny Williams (Kathryn) and son Nelson Williams (Ashley). Hjalmar French is also survived by 20 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Hjalmar was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Hulda French, all siblings, brothers William, Robert, Ralph, John and sister Janet.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Ashley Hall, Plantation Clubhouse, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on June 28, 2024, Leesburg, Florida. His ashes will be spread in Washington state by his granddaughter Christine were his wife, Lovadell French were spread.