FRENCH Russell
Posted: October 9th, 2012
RUSSELL CARL FRENCH, of Cardston, beloved husband of Patria French, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2012 at the age of 81 years.
Russ was born in Cardston on August 21, 1931 to Charles Osborn (Oz) and Bessie French and raised on a farm near Hillspring, Alberta with 6 brothers and 4 sisters. He attended school in Hillspring where he completed grade 12.
He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the French Mission. Following his mission, he attended BYU where he earned his teaching degree. He met the love of his life, Patria, while he was teaching night classes in Cardston. He also taught in Del Bonita and Magrath.
Russ had a passion for ranching and horses and a love of rodeo. He also loved to watch his kids play sports. In addition, he loved people and always had a story or joke to tell. Whether he knew you well or had never met you, with Russ there were no strangers. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and made instant friends.
Besides his loving wife, Pat, Russ is survived by his children Teri (Kari) Aho, Curtis (Jinky) French, Sue French, Barbara (Sid) French, Michael (Shantel) French, Lori (Ties) van de Werken, Kevin (Rylee) French and Doug & Leslie Antal. He is also survived by his brother Edgar (Faye) French and sisters Ellen (Dave-deceased) Bingham and Elaine (Clarke) Lybbert as well as 26 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Russ was predeceased by his son, Richard Grant French, and daughter, Stacey Nicole French, as well as 2 sisters, 5 brothers and his parents.
Friends may meet the family at Legacy Funeral Home on Monday, October 8th from 7 to 8 p.m. or on Tuesday, October 9th from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the Service.
The Funeral Service will be held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta West Stake Center on Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Shawn Olsen Officiating. Interment in the Cardston Cemetery.
E-mail your condolences to: legacyfh@telus.net.
Legacy Funeral Homes Ltd.
P.O. Box 208
Cardston, Alberta T0K 0K0
Phone (403) 653-3222
Fax (403) 653-3677
legacyfh@telus.net