Robert Alden French, 70, passed away on November 13, 2008. At the time of his death, Mr. French was a resident of Leesburg, VA where he had lived with his wife for 34 years.

Bob French was born in Torrington, Connecticut on March 27, 1938 to the late Lester O. and Dorothy (Mettling) French. During his high school years (between the ages of 16 and 18) he played the steel guitar in a country music band, "Gino and the Homesteaders" on a radio station in Torrington, Connecticut. Mr. French was found to be a natural musician. After high school he attended the University of Connecticut, majoring in psychology. Upon completion of college he attempted to enlist in the Army; but was denied due to allergies. Even though he was denied entry, Mr. French faithfully donated to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

After being denied enlistment, he came to Washington, D.C. to work in the Federal Government as a computer analyst. During this time he was introduced to his future wife, Carole, on September 8, 1965 by her next door neighbor. They became engaged in January of 1966 and were married in June, 1966. After they were married, Bob and Carole moved to Oxon Hill, Maryland where they lived for 2 years. From here they moved to Falls Church, Virginia. They enjoyed bike riding in the area whenever they found the time.

From Falls Church, they moved to Fish Kill, New York where Bob took a job working for I.B.M. This occupation had him away from home and family many hours a week. He and his family became tired of having no family life. At the age of 56, after discussing the situation with his family, the decision was made. Mr. French quit his job and moved from his Fish Kill, New York home of 5 years to Fairfax, Virginia where they lived for a year. From here he moved to Leesburg, Virginia with his wife and family, where he lived until the time of his death.

Bob and Carole enjoyed the time they had together and with their children. Of the many things they loved, camping was their favorite. They would pack their popup camper and travel to the Shenandoah Mountains. As parents, they soon recognized the importance camping had on their lives as a family. It was described as wholeness. They discovered the true beauty of the mountains, especially during October when the foliage was at its peak.

Mr. French was a coin collector. Some of the coins included in his collection had belonged to his grandfather.

Mr. French was a loving husband father and friend. Many will miss him. But his memories will live on in those he leaves behind: his wife of 42 ½ years, Carole; daughters Christine Garner, Meredith Holleman and Suzanne French; granddaughters Ashton Holleman, Anna Holleman and Sarah French; and his sister Jean Alderman.

A service was held on Monday, November 17, 2008 at the Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, Virginia with the Rev. John Ohmer officiating.

Donations may be sent to: VFW, Post 1177, 401 Old Waterford Rd. NW, Leesburg, VA, 20176; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Nation Capital Area Chapter, 5945 Richmond Highway, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA, 22303; Loudoun Caregivers, 2A Loudoun Street, SW, Suite 215, Leesburg, VA, 20175; Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1178, Leesburg, VA, 20177