Final Salute

Craig Martin French, born Feb 17, 1963 of Basin, MT, otherwise known as “Frenchy”, or simply “Bro”, drank his last beer in the Montana spring sunshine and took his final breath of mountain air on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at the ripe young age of 58. He was preceded in death by his parents Helen and James French of Cleveland, and his brother Robby. He is survived by his wife Cynthia (Cici), daughter Hannah, and much older brothers Jim and Kenny.

Craig spent 4 years as a US Navy SeaBee, where he learned to get up early, drink lots of beer, and build things. He was better at building things than either of the former. He lived in San Diego for around a decade and never once called anyone “dude”. He met Cici, got married, built some beautiful houses, and brought his daughter Hannah into the world. Not sure if it was annoyance with SoCal traffic or his love for the mountains of Montana, but they packed up the horses, workshop and baby girl and moved into his hand-made log cabin that was originally planned as a 2nd home.

Living the dream, so to speak…

He followed in his father’s footsteps in being a life-long Cleveland Browns football fan, and like many generations before him, never got to see them become a Champion. Despite the odds, he never gave up believing in the Impossible, a reflection of his deep Cleveland roots. He never liked being known as “Frenchy from California”, preferring instead to be Craig from Cleveland. He had a working class appreciation for craftsmanship and unpretentious friends, laughed loudly at inappropriate times, and found his own unique way in the world. He lived on his terms, made sure everyone knew it was on his terms, and if you were lucky enough to be his friend or part of his family, you got to share company with a funny, loving & extraordinarily genuine human being.

Craig lived a life without regrets, except for maybe the fact that there was no warranty on the heart surgery he had in March, 2020. And in the end, there is nothing he wouldn’t have given to spend a few more years being Hannah’s Dad, which he always said was his life’s biggest joy. Gonna miss you Bro.

A Celebration of Life will be held TODAY, Sunday, April 25 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in the Volunteer Building at 1:30pm. Military Honors will begin at 2:00pm.

In Loving Memory of Frenchy

Some of you have reached out and asked how you can help Cynthia and Hannah during this time. Know that your kindness is much appreciated as the family navigates this heartbreaking moment. We kindly ask, in lieu of flowers, to donate funds towards the funeral service, as we hope to carry out all of Craig’s final wishes.

A bank account has been set up at First Boulder Valley Bank. Donations can be deposited to the “Craig French Memorial Fund”

Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Craig.