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.
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”
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:30PM
Sunday April 25, 2021
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
25-51 Little Boulder Rd
Boulder, MT
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Cindie Carroll Bass says
We met you when you first became a Seabee you were stationed with my husband. You were such a good friend and a good person to my sons. I am so sad to find out that you were not here anymore. I hope that you found comfort in your mom and dad’s arms and got to know your brother Robby in heaven. I am so saddened to find this out. I pray your daughter and widow find comfort and will always be happy with your thoughts. I will never forget you.