Chester (Chet) Stephen French passed away on February 22, 2017 at the age of 45 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Helena, Montana on November 2, 1971 to Susan C. De Wolf and C. Terry French.
Chet grew up attending Helena schools completing his freshman year at Helena High. Next Chet moved to Divide, MT to be with his mother and brother, Mike Keck, and transferred to Butte High graduating in 1990. Chet always treasured the wonderful memories of the house in Divide and living on the Big Hole River where he enjoyed floating, fishing and riding his dirt bike. After graduation, Chet enlisted in the United States Army and spent 6 years in the service of the Montana National Guard.
Chet decided to move back to Helena where he went to work for his father’s business, French Construction which specialized in the house moving business. Apprehensive about continued employment in such a physical and dangerous industry, Chet was invited by his friend and uncle, Kelly DeWolf, to learn the complexities of the mortgage industry. Chet jumped at the chance moving to Sacramento, CA for a short stint living with “Uncle Kelly”, his wife and children Jenifer and Jason. Chet was immediately and lovingly assimilated into the family as one of Kelly’s own.
During this time, Chet was dating Sheri Flinders and soon followed his heart by moving back to Helena to marry her on August 6, 1994. This marriage was blessed with the birth of two beautiful girls, Kendall Marie in January of 1998 and Kaitlyn Elizabeth in December of 1999. Chet went back to work for his father until making the inevitable jump by branching off in 1996 starting Big Sky House Moving. Chet owned and operated this thriving and successful business while Sheri assisted by managing the books. Although Chet and Sheri divorced, they remained good friends with the common goal of always keeping their girls as their shared and first priority. Kendall is living in Santa Barbara, CA working and attending college at Santa Barbara City College. Kaitlyn is a student at Capital High School here in Helena.
Chet was a devoted and wonderful dad and his girls were his world. Consequently, he spent a lot of his private time with them and always was engaged in whatever they were involved with whether it was gymnastics or cheerleading or just being girls. Chet was unselfish and dedicated in terms of his support of his girls. In his company, they always had a wonderful time and cherished the relationship they had with their father.
Chet was an undeniably hard worker to the point he worried his family and friends because he pushed himself to the limits. Chet’s business in moving buildings was at times very dangerous and potentially full of risk and hazardous situations. However, he was a master and acquired the high tech skills and knowledge it takes to be successful in the unique niche of moving structures. The bigger the challenge the more he looked forward to it. Some of his house moves would make anyone a little faint of heart but he always was up for it….” Let’s GO!!!” Chet also had a very fun, playful side to him. When he played, he lived life to the fullest. Chet was passionate about water skiing and snow skiing or any of the many ways he found to relax and to recreate. Chet loved Seeley Lake as it was one of the few places he could go and truly unwind. Chet spent a lot of time at Seeley Lake with his girls and family and friends because for Chet that was his most special place to be.
Chet was a very passionate and sensitive person and loved very deeply. He was high energy and the combination of his infectious personality and sense of humor was most enjoyable to witness and to be a part of. Chet also had a mischievous side to him that warranted to be on guard at all times. Additionally, Chet could make you so frustrated and angry that you would vow never to talk to him again; but subsequently in a matter of minutes or days, you could not help but be drawn back to him forgetting why you were ever upset with him in the first place. He certainly had charisma and in combination with his lifestyle, he was the quintessential man of style and cool. Chet could light up a room just by his presence. He will be missed by everyone who ever met him.
Chet had so many wonderful friends and one of his greatest qualities was reaching out to them and just making sure they were awake. He loved to whistle or crow like a rooster in the phone right as you would answer. He could make these funny voices or little sounds to make you laugh. His phone calls would end as fast as they came with the always famous, “hey let me call you right back” or “I have a meeting, gotta go” and then hang up on you. He was the classic and self-styled screwball……. never a dull moment and always there to make you laugh.
Chet was preceded in death by his grandparents Chester and Alma French and George DeWolf. He is survived by his beautiful and beloved daughters Kendall and Kaitlyn French and their mother Sheri French of Helena; his father Terry French (Barb) of Lincoln; his mother Susan DeWolf (Mark Renouard) of Butte; brother Mike Keck (Angela), niece Faith and nephew Chance of Helena. He also leaves behind his uncles Kelly DeWolf, Joe DeWolf (Nikki) and Dick French all of Helena; Aunt Sara Morris of Helena and cousins, Robin Tobol, Penny Mobley, Rhonda Schaffer, Karen Lindquist, Jason DeWolf and Jenifer DeWolf with whom he was especially close. Chet also had a large extended family and many dear friends.
A memorial service celebrating Chet’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. today, March 3rd at St Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street. A reception will follow the service at Bert and Ernie’s, 361 N. Last Chance Gulch.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday March 2, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 3, 2017
St. Paul's United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Friday March 3, 2017
Bert and Ernie's
361 N. Last Chance Gulch
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday March 2, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 3, 2017
St. Paul's United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Friday March 3, 2017
Bert and Ernie's
361 N. Last Chance Gulch
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Rich, Susan and John Proul says
Kendall and kaitlyn and family..we are so very sorry about your dads passing. He was a good man who loved you both so very much. Keep all your memories close to your hearts and he will always be with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in eternal peace.
Rick, Julie and Courtney Massaro says
Sherri, Kendall, Katilyn and all of Chet’s family,
We are keeping you close to our hearts and in our prayers during this difficult time.
Kathleen Broussard says
Sherri, Kendall, Kaitlyn and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Kimberlea Emmons says
Brett and I are so very sorry for your loss. I have fun memories of Chet at some family get-togethers when our family would head to East Helena for holidays years ago! He was always having fun, enjoying each moment. We send prayers of peace and strength to his entire family. God Bless.
Heads Up Hearts Strong. Always.
Brett, Kimber, Chi, ~Kenna~, Cale, Kensi, Caty & Karlee Emmosn
Heather Lovshin says
Sherri, Kendall, Kaitlyn and family my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have so many great memories of Chet during family get-togethers. He was always having fun and full of laughter. Kendall and Kaitlyn he loved you guys very much and was very proud of you…He will be watching you from above… Sending lots of prayers
Heather and Jason Lovshin
Mari and Ed Williams says
Sherri, Kendall and Kaitlyn – Chet is still watching over all of us. I know how very proud he would be of you all through this terrible tragedy.
You girls were loved by the very best Daddy ever and he was always ready to brag about you! You were the light in his sunshine and the amazing sparkle in his eye and probably the little sneaky grin!!! Gosh I will miss his hugs and funny stories and sayings?. Please know that if you need anything – we will be there in a moments notice. We loved him like our own son so this is difficult but “C’MON” we can all get through it together. Loves and prayers from our family to each of you
Theresa & Mike King says
French Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in your hearts knowing he is with the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sadness.
Sandra Brockbank says
Dear Sherri, Kendall and Kaitlyn. I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying that you will feel the comforting arms of Jesus around you as you go through this difficult time. You are in my heart sweet ladies. Sandie
Cheri Parsley Tripp says
Sherri, Kendell & Kaitlyn.
May you find comfort in memories and strength in each other’s love throughout this difficult time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Cheri, Jayden & Tanner
Juliann Lancaster says
Erin, I know how much you loved Chet. You talked about him every day while we worked together. I it my loss that I never got to meet him. I love you Sweetie and feel your pain. Blessings to his family.
Jere Hoy says
Terry and Sue – I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a child has to be one of the most difficult things a person will ever face. Nothing I could say can help, but know that you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Evy Burris Sass says
To all of Chet’s loved one’s, my Sincere condolences. I send Blessings & comfort to you. Chet is & will always remain a very Special person to all that know him. Evy Burris Sass
Doug Erickson says
So very sorry for your loss Kendell, Kaitlyn and Family. Chet will be dearly missed. He was so proud of you for all of your accomplishments, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t have done for you girls. I will cherish my memories of the time I spent with your father. He was multi-talented,hardworking and there wasn’t much he couldn’t do. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Clay Pipinich says
Terry and Family I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Tony Nordahl says
Chet had an amazing heart which I will never forget. I remember the day I needed help and he told me, ” How does twelve bucks and hour and five hundred dollars sound?” I will always remember your generosity towards me.
Pat Leeds says
Susan, Terry & Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your son Chester. It’s so tough to lose a loved one. It must have been so sudden for everyone. He will be missed tremendously. I remember you and your family and the fond memories at Canyon Ferry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Pat Leeds
Nancy Jean Beck says
Chet moved the house I now live in. He was amazing. Optimistic when I loss all hope of making the narrow left turn with the house in tact and not ending up a pile of sticks. I just learned that he was gone. I am deeply saddened. He was a delight to be around. I was looking for him to move another house for me when I found out he was gone.