Deceased June 20, 2013
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25th Reunion Book Entry
In Memory
Edward Crossett French, affectionately known as Biff, passed away on June 20, 2013, at his home in Kentfield, Calif. He was born Feb. 21, 1933, to Ruth and Ted French. Biff had three sons, Edward C. French Jr., Clark French and Gage French (now deceased), two stepchildren and seven grandchildren. Biff is survived by his wife, Lila, whom he married in1999. He was a devoted husband.
Biff attended the Latin School of Chicago and Deerfield Academy. At Amherst Biff was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. He majored in history, was a member of the Intramural Council, the Philosophy Club and the Pre-Law Club; he was a member of the ROTC and a stalwart of the golf team. After graduation Biff received his Air Force commission and learned to fly jets. He called that experience the happiest time of his life. Following his military experience Biff became a stockbroker with Dean Witter in San Francisco and later with Wedbush Morgan. He was good at it, and he was successful. It was an ideal career choice.
Biff was a kind, generous and loving man to his friends and family. He was an exceptional golfer and a longtime member of the San Francisco Golf Club. With the stock market closing at 1 p.m. Pacific time, Biff was able to combine work and play on the same day. Biff was also an avid hunter, often going to Mexico to hunt ducks and doves. He played tennis and was an expert dominos player. He loved cooking, barbecuing, telling stories and jokes and just enjoying life. Mexico was a very special place for him.
Where did he get the name Biff? His mother planned to have five sons named Biff, Bang, Boom, Zowie and Stop. She had the first two.
Bye, Biff.
David Van Hoesen '55
