Stirling was born in Nipawin on April 20th, 1944, to Elwood and Pearl (Bray) French. He was third of four children; he grew up in the Shannon district, just a ¼ mile from Uncle Howard. He took his schooling in Shannon, Garrick and Nipawin. From the very beginning, he had a love of animals and working on the farm. He was always taking up jobs with the neighbours. He had a work ethic that was matched by no other.
He met Linda in February 1964 at a barn dance and by January 1965, they were married. For the first years of their marriage they moved around, until 1973, when they settled on the farm. Their union produced four loving children, LeeAnn, Warren, Curtis, and Lisa.
He was also a father to seven exchange students from Mexico. He really enjoyed trying to learn a new language. He was fortunate to be able to go to Mexico several times to visit his extended family.
Stirling was greatly appreciated by the community through his work in and around Love, and even more so when he bought the garage in 1976. A lot of mechanic work got done at S&L Service, but only about half as much as stories that were told and embellished at “Coffee row”. There were a lot of world problems that were solved at the garage. He worked at the Love Winter Festival and any community events. He was active in the Baptist Church and met many people through the Fern Creek Country Jamboree and the Love Gospel Jamboree.
They built the new garage in the early 80’s as the grandchildren started to arrive. He was happiest surrounded by those he loved. Children were drawn to Stirling and the stash of gum and peppermints in his pocket.
He was predeceased by his parents, Elwood and Pearl, mother and father in-law Marge and Bill brothers Lawrence and Elton, brother in-law
Ed Dmytrow and grandson Wes.
Left to cherish his memory:
Loving wife of 56 years, Linda
LeeAnn – Damian (Kelly) – Reyland, Kyden and McKennley,
Anton (Kathryn) and T-Jay
Warren (Danielle) – Andrew (Katelynn) – Karissa, Kayzyn,
Mikalla and Corben, Tyler (Renee) and Alexis,
Dalten (Autumn) and Jared
Curtis (Laurie) – Shallen, Kyera and Autumn
Lisa (Mark) – Jackson and Van
And bonus grandsons Bradley and Kristafer
Sister Laurel, sister in-laws Inez and Arlene
as well as numerous nieces and nephews.