July 12, 1999 -- It is with deep regret that ASPRS: The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society announces the death of its former Executive Director, William D. French, CAE, 62, on Monday, July 12, at 3:30am at Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, VA.
Mr. French served as executive director of ASPRS from January 10, 1977 until his retirement on September 8, 1997. He will be remembered for his significant contributions to the Society and will be deeply missed by the many friends he made during his 20-year tenure at ASPRS.
ASPRS President Mike Renslow acknowledged Mr. French’s many years of service: " Nearly all the members of our association have been influenced by Bill’s dedication to ASPRS and his deep love of the Society. During this sad time of his passing, we should remember Bill, and in his spirit, develop strong relationships and continue the growth of ASPRS."
Mr. French was born in 1937 and received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in 1962. He began his career with Barnes Engineering Co., in Auburndale, MA. From 1963 - 1977 he was employed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in New York.
During his tenure at ASCE, Mr. French was Editor for Technical Publications in charge of producing material for Journals of 14 Technical Divisions. From 1968 to 1972, Mr. French was executive assistant. In January of 1973, he was promoted to Director of Support Services with responsibilities for Field Services, Conventions and Exhibits and Public Information Services. He was also in charge of the ASCE Membership Development program and involved in the election of National Officers and Constitutional Amendments.
Mr. French was a longtime member of the following organizations: American Association for the Advancement of Science; American Society of Association Executives; ASCE; Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives; Greater Washington Society of Association Executives; International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing; SPIE – The International Society for Optical Engineering.
Mr. French is survived by his wife Margaret (Mena); his children Daniel and Paula; two grandchildren; his mother; and brother.
In lieu of flowers the French family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 1211 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 501, Washington, DC, 20036. When sending a contribution to the ADA, please state that the donation is in memoriam of William D. French, and include your name and address, and the French family’s address, 2216 North Toronto St., Falls Church, VA 22043.
Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 7,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies.
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(22 August 1999)