Tom and I were downtown today and as we walked by the Thrift Store, I thought maybe I would run into Diana  and ask how she is doing. I hope great memories still flood her with love.

Diana, I am thinking of you as the anniversary of Don's passing is near.  I know this is a hard time for you all.  Take care and know that warm, loving thoughts are coming your way.  Cheryl Gatti

Vickie: I extend my concerns to you and to all of Don's family in his passing. As a little kid in Alliance, I looked up to Don as a golfer, basketball player, and just good guy. I always thought Alliance was cheated when your family was moved to Scottsbluff. To this day, when I drive by the nice brick house on 10th and Black Hills it is the French's home.

Nancy and I were very sorry to hear about Don's passing. We were in Peru when he died and when the service was held. I went to visit him the last time he was in the hospital, but they were just taking him home, so we only had the chance for a brief conversation. I have good memories of playing golf with him and kidding about the Huskers and the Buffs. We will miss him. Nancy and Jack

Diana and Justin,

I was sorry to read of Don's passing and of your loss.  Although I didn't know him well my memories of him were always positive. From playing basketball against him in high school, to watching from the stands as our 2 sons played against each other in high school, to the visit in my business office a few years ago I will always remember him as an engaging, happy and good man.  Our prayers are with you during this time.  Joe & Kathy Goodell

Diana, Shoni & Justin,  So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and Dad.  We'll always remember the great times we spent together when we lived in Fort Collins.  The river rafting stands out the most!!  Don was a friend since Junior High school and we always enjoyed his sense of humor.

Know that you are in my prayers in this difficult time.  Be strong with his wonderful memories.  Peg & Dennis

Dear Diane and Justin, Karl and I were so sorry to here about your loss. We were out of town for the memorial, sorry we didn't get a chance to celebrate Don's life with you. We hope to see you soon and personally express our love to you. God bless and may He keep you in the palm of His hand and give you peace. Love, Bev

Diana, Shoni and Justin....You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  I treasure the years we lived next door to each other and deeply value all the wisdom and caring you and Don shared with my family.  May God bless you and keep you close.

We are so sorry for your loss.

""Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will Be Done"".

Gaylyn

Diana, Justin and Shoni, Upon returning from out of town, I was very sorry to hear of Don's passing. I will always remember the great times we had together playing early morning basketball. Don sense of humor certainly came to the forefront during those times. He will be missed. Sincerely, Hep Wilkins

I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing.  My condolences and prayers are with you all during this trying time.  I bought the FedEx route from Don and am still operating it, and think of him often.  An emergency need for a driver unfortunately kept me from attending the service and life celebration at Silver Grill, Tueday.  I always appreciated Don's humor and upbeat attitude and hope that I am able to do the same in my life.  Don waged the good fight and now is without pain in a better place.  I wish you all smiles and brighter days ahead.
Our prayers are with you,
Don and Sherrie Meyer

We are so sorry for your loss.  It is so comforting to know that Don is in a much better place with no pain.  We were at the service for him but as he had so many friends there we didn't get to see you.  We have enjoyed knowing both of you over the years.  Should you ever feel the need for a little diversion we would love to have tou come by for a cup of coffee and a chat.

We wish you the best,

Norm and Delores Jordan

Dear Diana, Justin, and Shoni,

You all have been in my thoughts for the past several days after learning of Don??Ts passing on.  My mind falls back to days on the sidelines of soccer fields and basketball courts supporting and cheering on our sons.  Those were good times???where have the years gone.   Don was so friendly and so funny???.a very genuine kind person.  I pray for your family??Ts comfort and strength in the days ahead. 

Connie

French Family
You are in our thoughts and prayers as I feel so blessed to have known Don for such a long time.  What a joy and pleasure to be around and he could always make you laugh.  He was a great adopted father to me during College (as I was pretty far from home) and you guys just welcomed me into your house and family.  Thanks for all the great times and great memories.  Take joy in knowing that he is in eternity now with Jesus and completely healthy.  He was a great man and you will continue to be in our prayers.
Brett McFall

Dear Dianna, Justin, Shoni and CeeCee, How very sad I felt when Don's obit. appeared in the paper. Your family had such special bonds and I know this is so very hard for all of you. My warm regards and sincere condolence for you all at this very hard time. Sincerely, Cheryl Gatti

Dearest Dianna and family-my thoughts and prayers are with you.  Don was such a bright light--I will remember him as a man of kindness and humor-I know he had struggled for a long time and am happy he is out of pain and at peace-Please know you are all in my prayers-Maggie Kunze

Dear Diana, Shoni, and Justin, We were saddened to hear of Don's passing, but we will always remember a special man. He was a true gentleman and good friend. Dennis will always treasure the memories of the great golf trips to the Wigwam! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Dennis and Nancy

Dear Vickie and Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Don. My deepest sympathy to you, Diana, and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with Don and all of you. Jeanne Yocke

Dear Diana and family, I am so sorry I was unable to be with you today. Things just fell apart at the last minute. I am sending my love and prayers, and if I can do anything for you, please let me know. Love, Roxine and family

Justin, we were all sorry to learn of your loss.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

So sorry for the loss of such a great man. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Don was such a true supporter of athletics and we have some wonderful memories of Poudre basketball and the French family. Dennis & Judy Brubaker

How very sad to lose Don.  You will always be able to cherish the memories you made through the years.  These  memories and the support of friends will carry you through the  tough times ahead.  
You are in our  thoughts and prayers.
Beth and Tom

Diane, Shoni, Justin: Sorry to hear of Don's passing away. He put up a good fight and now he is with his Lord with no more pain. I would like to be with you tomorrow, but don't think I should do the travelling at the present time. Old age seems to be taking a ""toll"" on my activities. With deepest sympathy we reflect on shared times, memories of knowing Don. He was such an inspiration to people. We wish you strength for today and comfort in the days ahead. God be with you. Charlie & Eunice

Dear Diana and family, Please accept our deepest sympathies on your loss of Don. What a great guy, he touched everyone he came in contact with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless. Tony and Sandy.

My dear Diana, Shoni, Justin, and CeCee

My heart is heavy and I feel sad but I also am filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for having all of you in my life. I am grateful Don's suffering is over, his journey will bring him to his just reward and everlasting peace free from all that troubled his body and his mind. He lived his life well. I am grateful and thankful the French family came into our lives ~ Diana you are a sister to me and my heart breaks for you for your loss but you have my admiration for your strength, your courage, and your unending resourcefulness as you created new and easier ways to care for Don over these past 7 years. I am grateful Don had you in his life. He could not have chosen a better wife and mother and life partner. He knew he was with a real winner. I am grateful when our kids were young we shared adventures together and I treasure those memories. I'm glad Don's suffering is over. The past 15 months have been completely so challenging for all of you; challenging to maintain hope and grace; but never did I see your faith falter. You have an amazing buffalo herd and please now gather strength from us ~ your many, many, many friends. You are one strong, smart wonderful lady. You are made up of deep root stock and your roots have traveled far and wide. I will miss Don but am so grateful to have had you both in my life! Time will heal much but the loss is always with us. I will always remember Don and his great sense of humor and his love of all things Big Red. He was a good midwesterner in ethics and values. My heart is heavy today and I feel sad. Please let us know how I/we can be of help to you and your family in the hours, days, and months ahead. I love you; you are my sister! Shoni and Justin: You were blessed to have Don as your dad and he was so very proud of both of you. The last time I talked with him we talked about how much peace he felt seeing you both as great adults and in loving relationships. He was one of a kind and you both carry him into your futures in all you do. Love always, Marcia, Suzanne and Ross Greiner

Dear French Family:
Gone too soon...but what a footprint left on this earth with each of you carrying a piece of Don/Dad with you into each new day.
Big hugs of comfort to you as we know you will miss him so much!   
Thinking of you in our hearts and prayers.
Love, 
Rocci and Marla Trumper

Vicky and family, Don sounded like a person who will be dearly missed and for that I send my sincerest condolences. I hope that the thoughts and caring expressions from those around to support will provide comfort and peace at this time of loss for each of you in your own need. Sincerely, Susan Van Dyk

I am thinking of what a great personality Don had, going to miss that. He may be playing some rounds of Golf and having a great time. Diana, Shoni, Justin, CeCee, I am sorry for your loss. Love Kathy Thompson

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We have fond memories of Don and the basketball years at Poudre. With deepest Sympathy, Doug & Kathleen Bigge

Hi Justin, Diana and Shoni, Mary and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Don was a great guy and he loved you all very much.  

Warmest Regards,

Buck and Mary Norris

My condolences to the family and especially his sister Vickie. We all know his illness was heavy on her mind. May all of you have peace in your hearts during this difficult time.

I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Don for his warmth, humor and grace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Katie Yemm Cutter

I am so sorry for the loss of this great man, husband, father, grandfather. He was a model of humanity during the last days of his life.

Mrs. French, Justin and Shoni, 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. 

Sincerely, 
Karen and Scott DeVries

Diana, Shoni and Justin, 

We enjoyed our visit so much with Don recently and our conversation about basketball memories including the trip to Europe.  He was a very special man, and we will miss him. 

Glenn and Mary Johnson

Dear French Family, I know that Don is now free from suffering. I enjoyed seeing him last year at the FRHS RMHS basketball game. Don's sense of humor and love of family are the two things that I will always remember about him. Please know that you are in my prayers.

Justin - I'm so sorry for your loss. It's been years since I've seen your dad - not since high school, but I just remember how kind and encouraging he was. Since Jr high basketball days..everytime I saw him (usually at some tournament or after games lol) - he would always say hi and have words of encouragement for me. Tell me how much I was improving and things of that nature...and it always meant a lot to me. He was an amazing man with an amazing spirit and I know he will be missed.

I  was  sad  this  morning  upon  reading  about the  passing  of
Don.  He  was  a  kind  and  friendly  person  to  me  in  the  
early  1990's  while  I  coached  his  son, Justin, in  Football
and  Basketball  at  Lincoln  Junior High.  He  was  very  proud  of
Justin's  athletic  accomplishments!
  Even  years  later  when  I  would  run  into  him  at  the  Post 
Office  or  grocery  store,  he  was friendly, funny,  and caring
to  me.  I  will  miss  him.

Diana, Justin, and Shoni;

We are deeply saddened by Don??Ts passing. As you know, Don and I have known one another since 4th Grade, and we have a lot of wonderful memories of our time together. I always enjoyed Don??Ts jokes ??"" he was masterful in delivering a good clean joke with the proper timing. I know Bunk taught him the jokes, and looking back, I , suspect I have heard over 1000 jokes from Don ??"" just the thought of all that makes me laugh! I always envied Don??Ts natural ability to hit a fluid golf shot, and I have many fond memories of golfing with Don and Diana. We also have many fond memories of the times we have gotten together throughout the years, and the conversations always included sharing an update of what our kids were doing, and later, what our grandkids are doing. Those were all wonderful times. 

In life, we only have a few, really good friends that last a lifetime. Don, Diana, Justin and Shoni have all been wonderful lifetime friends. Thanks for the friendship and the memories.

Making Don??Ts last resting place next to a golf course seems to be appropriate. May he shoot only birdies in heaven!

Love ??"" Larry & Carol

Diana, Justin & Shoni, Words can't express how sorry we are about the passing of your beloved husband, father and friend. I wish we could have gotten more chances to meet and spend time with him but we did however enjoy the Christmas Eve celebration. From what we hear from our son Dave he has an awesome man and will be greatly missed. I know you will miss him but he is finally resting after a long battle. May God bless you and your family. Terry & Diana Day

Dear Diana,
I am Teresa's college room mate/friend, and I remember you very well.  She told me about the sad news of your husband Don's passing.  I read his obit. and can tell that he was an exceptional person who will be missed by many.  Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Mary Ann Sonderegger

An awesome man who is now in an awesome place. Don was an amazing believer who even through his storm, praised God. May his light continue to burn brightly.

Diana, Justin & Shoni, Just want you all to know know that the Nagle family is thinking about you as well as our Mother, Rosemarie Johnston, who knew your Mom & Dad so well Diana. My regret is that we didn't get to know Don better but we sure loved that time Jim & I met Diana & Don at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Francisco & had a great visit. Just know that Don is now free of the earthly pain & welcomed into Heaven by many friends & loved ones. Much love, Karen & Jim Nagle & Family

Diana, Shoni, Justin,

My heart is breaking with the passing of Don!  He fought such a hard battle.  We all admire him for that.  I only find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and in pain.  I am happy that he is know my newest guardian angel watching us all with all of our other loved ones.  He truly a difference in my life and changed the way I see the world around me.  Thank you Don for that and for many other things.  I am so glad that you were a part of my life and also BJ and Gretchens  My love to you all.  Teresa

Hi Justin,
Very sorry to hear about your dad.  I know he was very proud of you and his family!

Sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I always liked him.

Justin, May God Bless you and the entire French family. I have known the French family from my days at Colorado State... and what a great family. This is now a celebration of your Father's life. Your Father left a very large and positive footprint behind and Justin, I know you will do the same. Again, May God Bless and Keep you and your family. Jim Brandenburg

OBITUARY

Donald E. French

23 March, 1947 – 13 October, 2011

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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