Adam French, Skip's son let us know that Skip apparently died Wednesday night, September 30 from complications related to diabetes.

Skip has been an enthusiastic SFR flagger for the past few years and will be greatly missed on the turns and at Social. Skip lived in Modesto.

Memorial services will be held at Davis Park Church of Christ at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 901 W. Rumble Road in Modesto, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Davis Park Church of Christ or American Diabetes Association.

Following is the obituary from the Modesto Bee, www.modbee.com/obituaries

WILLIAM SKIP'' C. FRENCH APR 15, 1948 - SEP 30, 2009 Beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother, Husband, Son, Uncle and friend, was born on April 15, 1948 in San Jose, California and died peacefully on September 30, 2009 at the age of 61. After graduation from high school, he began flight school training in the United States Army. He was awarded an Air Medal with Valor and a Silver Star.

Following his service to the Army as a helicopter pilot, he graduated from San Jose State University and began a 30 year career as a Speech Pathologist and Resource Specialist for the Stanislaus County Office of Education.

He enjoyed spending his time working with children, playing handball, loving his grand- children, riding his bike, visiting his cabin, fishing, auto racing, and seeing his friends and family. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Bettye and Charles French, and his grandmother Beryl Walters.

He is survived by his wife, Victoria, his brothers, Jay French (Janet) of Mesa, AZ, and Chris French (Donna) of Sacramento, CA, his children, Allison Young (Greg) of La Puente, CA, and Adam French (Kimberly) of Oakdale, CA, and two grandsons, Asa and Collin. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, as well as a large group of extended family and friends.

 Email The Web Team to share your memories on Skip's page.

I had been looking for skip for about 10 years, we knew each other when we were about 10-18 years old. He was a great friend when we were young and we cut out of many church meeting together with Mike Calahan and Jonny Nicewonger. I remember his brother Jay also. I am sorry for your loss and wish I could have found him sooner.

Mary Jane Rayfield

Sunday October 25, 2009.  Saddened to read on this Sunday morning that Skip French passed away at the end of September.  Many of the flaggers and communicators at the Thunderhill final regional of the year will have learned of his passing and I'm sure that a moment of thoughtful repose occurred.  The 2010 season will be missing his friendly manner. 

Rest in peace Skip. 

Gary Corsiglia  

October 06, 2009

Godspeed, Skip. I loved working the turn with you at Laguna Seca and discovering we had a friend in common--my vice principal who was your buddy from the war.

October 06, 2009

Skip became involved with Sports Car Club of America a few years ago. His first day at the track, it was pouring rain and he had no rain gear. We cobbled together rain pants and a jacket to keep him as dry as possible. He fell in love with the sport and became a beloved member of our SCCA family. We will miss him.

~  Nora Linerud, Belmont