Obituary of Robert George French

Bluegrass and country music pioneer Robert “Bob” George French Sr., lately of Cambridge Maine, passed away peacefully after a long illness on August 20, 2016. He was 86 years old. Bob was the father of four and is survived by his loving wife and music partner Grace M. French and 3 children and their spouses: Jeanne Marie French and husband Mo Khalid of Singapore; Mary Helen (French) Bentham and husband Jeremy of the Netherlands; John Leonard French and partner Andrea Fletcher of Nashua NH; and extended family Mary (Disken) French and Elisa (Ranno) French; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by son Robert G. French Jr. and was the last remaining sibling of a family of 11 children. We would also like to recognize Steven Dubay, a dear neighbor who has become like another son to Bob, for all his daily help and care. Bob was born on April 23, 1930 in West Acton, MA to James Henry and Ada Mae (Wamboldt) French. He is known for being one of the first-generation “Scruggs” style five-string banjo pickers, and among the first musicians to introduce bluegrass music to New England. He hosted the first all-bluegrass radio program in New England and led the band “The Rainbow Valley Folks.” Bob performed weekly for many years with Clyde Joy on Channel 9, WMUR TV, Manchester NH. He also performed live with many music legends such as Mac Wiseman, Doc Watson, Joe Val, Dolly Parton, and The Osborne brothers; and was for a few nights, Janis Joplin's “jug man”. He was the MC at the Thomas Point Beach Music Festival for many years and is memorialized in The Kentucky Bluegrass Museum as being among the first pioneers of bluegrass musicians. Bob also has a large collection of music awards from various organizations and halls of fame throughout the country for his contributions to the Industry. In the latter part of his career Bob hosted and raised thousands of dollars performing in charity events with wife Grace at the St. Albans Grange Hall in Maine. Bob will be remembered as an extraordinary entertainer in the music industry, and as a kind and caring spirit within the community. His generosity has helped many. Cremation without fanfare is what Bob wanted, so no funeral will be scheduled but all are welcome to pay respects to the family at the family home in Maine; or in true Bob French fashion, pick up an instrument, play, reminisce, and find peace in music. Condolences can be sent to Grace and the family at P.O. Box 42, Cambridge Maine 04923. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the nurses and doctors at Mayo hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, ME and Central Maine Hospital in Lewiston, ME. Your kindness and understanding were greatly appreciated.