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Lamb & Hayward Westpark Chapel & Memorial Garden

467 Wairakei Rd., PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545

Christchurch, Canterbury

Michael FRENCH Obituary

16 February 1945 – 15 May 2025

At home, dearly loved husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. A funeral service for Michael will be held at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, 373 Manchester Street, on Wednesday, May 21, at 10.30am. Messages may be addressed to: The family of the late Michael French, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. Private burial to follow.


Lux Aeterna


Published by The Press on May 16, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael FRENCH

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18 Entries

Paula Steers (Rees)

June 2, 2025

So sad to hear of Michael passing away - my sincere sympathy to Kate and all the family. I worked for Michael in the early 1970's when the office was in New Regent Street Christchurch and called Corcoran, Thwaites & Brown. Michael was such a great mentor and had great teaching and patience skills for me as a young 19 year old and I was able to use his advice over the next 50 years working in legal offices. Talked to Michael a couple of years ago and so sad I didn't realise that would be the last time.

Heather Thompson

June 1, 2025

To Michaels family, my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Michael. I have known Michael for many years mainly as my lawyer but also as a friend through our THC days. He was an amazing man who was so well respected by many in the community. Please know my love and wishes are with you at this time.

Peter Hodgson

June 1, 2025

My name is Peter Hodgson. I am very saddened to hear of Michael´s death. I knew him as friend for well over sixty years, starting when I first met him in the fourth form at Xavier College Christchurch in1959 .We often used to ride home together up Papanui Road on our bikes and talk about many things important in our lives
We kept in touch through school and when he started training to be Priest on leaving school at the end of 1962 and later when he had left the seminary to study Law at Canterbury University. Our friendship continued when we were both a university from 1968 -and when he went into Law Practice. He came to my wedding on 1973 . We saw each other on intermittent trips back to Christchurch where my bothers live. We had `catch up´ sessions when we met. The last time I saw and spent time with Michael was the class of `61 reunion at Xavier college a couple of years ago. I didn´t realize then it would be the last time I would see him.
Rest in Peace Michael

Sandy Millyard

May 25, 2025

we crossed pads on many occasions both in and out of the office and it was always a pleasure.

May his memory be a blessing

Mervyn Falconer

May 21, 2025

Sad to learn of Michael's death, sincere sympathy and condolences to Kate, Family and Mike's siblings.
First met Mike at Mount Cook when he worked at the Hermitage during University holiday breaks, along with Bob Kelly Hermitage House Manager, I was a Ski Plane pilot, we all remained great friends, sharing birthdays ( all in February) and other special occasions. Mike was truly a gentleman, a gracious thoughtful and caring friend.
RIP Michael, Merv and Liz Falconer

Charlotte Venis

May 21, 2025

Sorry to hear this. Mr French was a great man to work for at the start of my working career, a lot of respect for him. Condolences to family and CF team

Andrea Wheeler

May 20, 2025

A gracious kind gentleman you always have been Mike. Kate Madeleine & Hugh- sending our love & heartfelt condolences. The Wheeler Family

Barbara Holloway Scott

May 20, 2025

God's blessings to Kate, Madeleine and Hugh in the loss of Mike. Good memories of the 80's and 90's from Barbara Holloway Scott (formerly Stanton), Caroline Stanton Rusk and Pete Stanton.

Nick Rout

May 20, 2025

Sad to hear of Michael's passing. Lovely man and efficient, polite in his dealings as a lawyer.

JJ BRANDTS-GIESEN

May 19, 2025

While Michael's death notices is shrouded in near anonymity, many remember him for to 5 decades of service as an efficient and well regarded lawyer in Kaiapoi and. Christchurch. He cared for people regardless of their means or social position. He recognised their need and he wasn't driven by greed. RIP

Gavin Mould

May 19, 2025

My condolences to the family.
Michael was always great to deal with during my time in business.

Ann kay

May 19, 2025

Dearly loved an appreciated for all his years of support towards our Christian family support solo parents groups ..he will always be remembered for his compassion support and legal advice thankyou Michael.. ..rest in a well earned peace ..Ann Kay

Mike Nicholas

May 19, 2025

Very sad to hear of Michael´s passing. I´d known him from Holy Name days. Condolences to his wife and family.

Kathleen Rogers

May 17, 2025

Very sad to hear of the passing of Michael
Always remember him being surrounded by a family of sisters.... A big brother he certainly was
Thinking of the family at this time
Grew up just around the corner from the French family
Close connections thru schools and the church
R.I.P Michael

Love from Kathleen Roger´s (née Brady Matsons Ave

Gregg Sincock

May 17, 2025

Saddened to hear of Mike's passing. On behalf of the Sincocks, we send our Deepest condolences to you Katherine, Louise and families. Very sociable fella who will be missed by all who knew him. Rest easy Mike.

Elaine Kelly

May 17, 2025

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Garry Thompson

May 16, 2025

Michael was a very good lawyer whom I knew as a fellow member of the profession. He was courteous prompt and correct.Garry Thompson

Garry Thompson

May 16, 2025

I knew Michael when he studied law at the time l was doing the same. I dealt with him alot in practice in particular for over 20 years with his legal firm being in the same building as mine. When a client of his or mine required separate legal advice frequently each of us referred the person concerned to the other.Michael was always thoroughly professional. Furthermore in all the dealings I had with him he was courteous prompt and correct. Garry Thompson

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Memorial Events
for Michael FRENCH

May

21

Funeral service

10:30 a.m.

St Marys Pro-Cathedral

373 Manchester Street, Christchurch, Canterbury

Funeral services provided by:

Lamb & Hayward Westpark Chapel & Memorial Garden

467 Wairakei Rd., PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545 Burnside, Christchurch 8053