French – It is with profound sadness that the family of David Alan French announces his passing on July 9th at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with cancer. David passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. He was born on June 7th, 1961 in Truro, Nova Scotia to Archie and Eileen (Kurtz) French. The young family moved back to Brooks shortly after, where he received all his schooling. After graduating high school, David worked in the oil and gas industry for a few years but eventually started A&E RV, Sales and Service, in 1982 with his dad, Archie. His sister Betty soon joined the family business and, many years later, his brother Harvey as well. David’s love for biking and sledding started at a young age, a passion that he passed onto his own sons. That passion also became a successful family business for over 40 years. David’s zest for life was indescribable. He had a contagious energy and made friends wherever he went. He was thought of in only the highest regard from all that knew and loved him. David’s greatest loves were his family, especially his loving wife of 28 years, Tracy, and his sons, Tyler and Devon. The French’s spent every summer and winter either in the Crowsnest mountains, or at the family cabin in Corbin, British Columbia, riding and making lifelong memories. David was very grateful for the incredible life he had, all the travel opportunities through the businesses and his bike racing days, the amazing friends he made, and the endless camping trips down to the US. David had many fond memories, one being the Crowsnest XC race he put on every September long weekend known as one of the “toughest” for 27 years. The second being his annual boys dual sport trip down south with his good buddies John, Riley, big Al, little Al, Clint, Lee, and Troy. David was predeceased by his grandparents Arthur and Granny Helen (Preston) Kurtz, Archie Charles French and Albertha (McCarthy) and Aunt Karen Kathleen (Kurtz) Redelback. David is survived by his wife Tracy, sons Tyler (Jenna), and Devon (Drew), parents, Archie and Eileen, brother Harvey (Bernie), sister, Betty (Perry)in-laws John and Agnes Hickie, sister-in-laws, Lisa (Scott) and Donna (Colleen), nephews Lakta and Kashtin niece, Mckayla (Zach), uncle Gary (Mary), cousins Sarah, Stacie, and Randy and great nephew Jeric, who was born shortly after David’s passing. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Coetzee and all of the nurses, especially Tasha, in acute care at the Brooks Hospital and in the final days home care nurses Aubrey and Thea. A Family Memorial will be held in August up at the family cabin, and a Celebration of David’s Life will be announced at a later date.
Cremation entrusted to and conducted at
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
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