I would like to take a moment and reminisce about Cal and share my thoughts since his passing. 

Cal and my mom met at the fort hotel restaurant where she worked; he became ill with food poisoning and she took him to the hospital. Albeit an uncomfortable moment, mostly for him, it was a serendipitous match that changed our lives.

Although being young, my bother and I put him through hell when he joined our family. I remember one time when Billy and I let the air out of his tires so he would be late for work. As always, this didn’t make Cal run away; instead, he would get ‘even’. The next day, I woke up tied to my bed wrapped in saran-wrap. He never left my mother’s side even though he had me and my brother to deal with; he just learned how to play our ‘games’.

Cal loved my mother and us unconditionally throughout the years. There is a saying, “Any man can become a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.”. It’s because of his love and devotion not only to my mom, but to our entire blended family that i can honestly say that every man should aspire to be like him, myself included. 


Cal,

I am mourning your loss but would like to say thank you. I am honoured and grateful that you gave your love, respect and integrity to us even though it was cut too short. You have enriched our family’s lives in ways others cannot comprehend. 

Miss you forever Dad,
- Jay

Helen I was there when you met Cal for the first time and off and on through out the years.  The love you two shared was a dedication so few have now a days.  I know the pain is unbearable right now and I am so sorry for that and wish there was something I could do to take some of it away but there isn't.  Remember the love and good times you shared and this will eventually help you to cope with the pain.  Cal was an amazing person and both of you were so luck to have met and fallen in love.  Your heart is broken but lean on those that love you and can help you.  He will always be with you because he is in your heart and is looking down on you to make sure you are OK.  The people that met and knew Cal loved and respected him so much.  Wishing you peace of spirit and mind in the days to come.  Love you Denise

Im one of Calvins grandchildren (Jason’s daughter) although I haven’t been around much because i live further away, I remember when my cousins and I would go camping with our nana and papa I remember those times being very special, Nana and Papa always made our trips the best! We love you Papa❤️

My deepest sympathies to Helen and family. I had the pleasure of working with Cal on various projects. he was a true gentleman, was a mentor to anyone who worked with him, and well respected by all.
RIP Cal, you will be missed!

I am such a lucky person to have met Cal when I first got into Construction with Kiewit.  He was such an inspiration and mentor to many. He was someone I inspire to be like with my family.   My deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire French family.  Thank you for sharing Cal with the rest of the world!

My condolences to the Family. I never knew Cal but his reputation preceded him. Everyone I knew who knew him always spoke highly of him. I know Travis from the Keeyask project and I could see the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

Helen and family,
Deepest sympathies to you and generations of family and friends that were part of Cal's orbit. He was truly one of a kind, but you already know that. 

Please accept our heartfelt condolences and wishes for peace and long memories.

The Claggetts

My favourite memory with Papa was fishing off the dock at zeden lake.

I met Calvin French (Cal) in Fort Saskatchewan during the spring of 1991. A fellow associate, John Neal, phoned me and said, "You've got to hire this guy, he's amazing." Well that endorsement and meeting the man a few weeks later sealed the deal. 
What transpired for years to come was a litany of successful construction projects led in the field by Cal French. He was by far the best construction superintendent I have ever had the privilege of working beside. Cal knew how to motivate men and women in our business and as such became the superintendent of choice for many managers of projects throughout Western Canada. 
Cal met Helen, on the Fort Saskatchewan bridge project during that summer of 1991. He came into the office one day and said he had met this woman, and he really liked her. Well, for 32 years she held the heart of that man, and in our business that is extremely rare.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Helen and Cal's extended family.
Sincerely, Greg Dixon

Helen,
I worked with Cal during the 90’s and 2000’s.
He was a “very real” inspiration to many of us.
He was  smart, a skilled planner and so good with his crews.  There was/ is nobody better.
My sincere sympathy.

I met cal and Helen over 20 years ago we had some great memories and a lot off laughs cal help me move into my place I have now I will miss him and I will look after Helen the best I can  for you  you will be greatly miss Mary and boys ❤️❤️

My deepest condolences  to the whole family. Cal was an inspiration  to me like my father was .. very smart. And humble  I know how much  his kids looked up to him as wee had many chats about how great  our dad's were ..   RIP  cal say hi to my dad  ..😪

OBITUARY

Calvin Wesley French

May 1, 1957 – September 30, 2023

First Memorial Funeral Services - Riverview Chapel

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