FRENCH, Johnny

Johnny French passed away at his home in Redding, Calif., on Oct. 10. Born in Glenwood Springs on Nov. 23, 1953, he was the son of Glen and Corky French. He spent his younger years in Climax and moved to Leadville with the family home in 1961. French attended school in Leadville, where he left his mark on the ski and football teams until graduating with the class of 1972. He spent a few years doing various construction jobs at Climax and around Colorado before settling in Redding. In 1987 French started "The Fence Man," a business he worked until his death. He held a lifelong fascination with space, galaxies, constellations and the wider heavens, letting their beauty decorate every empty space in the home he made. He never left Colorado behind. As a football fan, he didn't think twice about carrying Bronco pride to the West Coast. He enjoyed riding ATVs in the hills and boating on the lakes around Redding. French was always ready and willing to lend a hand and will be remembered by his neighbors, family and friends for his kindness and compassion. Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his son, Jamie French, Haver, Mont.; foster son, Charles Surridge, Santa Rosa, Calif.; brother, Kelly French, Colo Springs; sister, Jeanne McAuliffe, Leadville; nephews, Danny McAuliffe, Barrett Webster, Lucian, Chris and Dylan Bartik; and niece, Tatyana Bartik.