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On May 9, 2019, surrounded by his family, Carter French, 81, lost his battle with heart and lung disease. Carter was born in Burlington, WA, on February 1, 1938 where he lived on a small dairy farm. He graduated from Burlington High School, class of 1956. Carter attended Pacific Lutheran University for two years before transferring to Washington State University. Carter had a lot of fun at WSU. So much so, that he was asked to leave because fun came before studying. Carter and his cousin journeyed to Pasadena, CA, for a year where they pumped gas and increased their grade point average at Pasadena City College. Upon returning to WSU, Carter graduated with a degree in general studies with a science major. He then headed to Europe, hitch-hiking and traveling by scooter for 10 months from Helsinki to Istanbul, thus beginning his life long love affair with travel. Upon returning home, he headed back to school and received a BA in Education from Western Washington University. He spent 28 years teaching middle school science and a few years teaching driver's ed – all but one of those years for the Everett School District and he retired in 1994. There were many times, while out to dinner, that we would hear "Hi Mr. French!" Carter met his wife, Marilyn on a blind date in 1967. They married the next year and spent over 50 wonderful years traveling the world and having grand adventures together. Carter is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughter, Katie Yates (Joel Yates), son, Ryan French; grand-sons, Nicholas and Dexter Yates; brother, Jon French (Jeanette French), sister, Lora Andersen; three nieces, two nephews and many cousins and friends. Carter was a man of many interests with an inquiring mind. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to talk to people. Everywhere he went, he would strike up conversations with strangers and walk away with life long friends. In his retirement, he and his wife spent much of their time traveling internationally, camping with their RV group, or motor homing through the U.S. and Canada. In all, Carter visited over 90 countries, all 50 states and all but two Canadian provinces. Carter was a true people person, liked and loved by many, and he will be dearly missed. He was very active in his church, Central Lutheran Church, until declining health made that impossible. He was also a member of the Everett Elks and a Mason. As his health declined, he kept in touch with his many friends through email, and his mind active exploring the internet. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to one of Carter's favorite charities: The Carter and Marilyn French Science Education Fund at WSU, the Everett YMCA, the Tall Elks, or Central Lutheran Church. A service celebrating Carter's life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Central Lutheran Church in Everett, reception to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I will so miss talking to Mr French about his travels, his family and Life and his wicked sense of humor! He always brightened my day when he came in for a visit.
Diana Zahler
May 20, 2019
So sorry to hear about Mr. French. He was my favorite teacher at Port Gardner Middle School (South Jr. High). I was his student aid one year! I was fortunate to reconnect with him decades later through a mutual friend. His teaching strengthened my confidence in the sciences leading to my engineering degree at UW. Rest in peace Mr. French!
Art Thomson
May 17, 2019
In the early summer of 1963 on a day pouring with rain, this very tall guy on a tiny scooter came out of nowhere and knocked on our door in Ganddal, just outside Sandnes, Norway. It was Carter on his European trip who came to visit his Norwegian relatives.
This was the first visit from "over there" since my grandad returned to Norway in 1912. Carter also returned with his mum & dad a few years later and with Marilyn in 1969. I was invited to visit and stay with Carter & Marilyn for several weeks in 1972, including a 3 week trip Carter and I took down across the border to Mexico in their VW camper. Carter also organised a family reunion where I met 200+ relatives. A first time overseas and the second international travel for a 17 year old. This gave me the travelling bug and I have travelled extensively since.
Carter reconnected the US and the Norwegian relatives and created a bond that has lasted for more than 50 years.
Carter said during our last chat on Skype that "I have lived a wonderful life". That is probably the best final statement to family and friends.
Condolences go to Marilyn, Katie (Joel) and Ryan, from Anne (Jan) and Ivar (Lesley).
Ivar Kaaland
May 17, 2019
Rest In Peace Mr French a great guy. You truly will be missed.
Tyler Olson
May 16, 2019
Rest in Peace, Mr French!
always enjoyed seeing and visiting with you. We'll have to have a Royal Alfy's pizza for dinner, in your honor. Thank you for making our days better every time you came in.
Ted, and the staff at Silverlake Alfy's
ted mckinnon
May 16, 2019
Dear Marilyn and Family, I was saddened to read about Carter's passing recently. He has a special place in my heart, and greatly influenced me even today, by teaching me how to drive. Carter showed me how to drive in snow, spending an entire Saturday driver's ed. class time in the Cascade parking lot, driving around in deep snow, and "practicing." I gained confidence with that experience. I had Carter at Evergreen in 7th grade science, loved his humor, and love of teaching. Later, I got to work with Carter at Eisenhower Middle School, as a fellow staff member, and fellow "WSU Coug!" His love of teaching was contagious, his humor outstanding. Carter touched the lives of hundreds of students and fellow teachers. He was a gift for education. Please know I am thinking about Carter and his entire family during this time. He was a special person, teacher, mentor, and will be greatly missed. Love to the entire family. Debbie McCollum Schmitz
Debbie McCollum
May 16, 2019
You were blessed with a long and interesting life here on Earth. I can only imagine the laughter you are spreading in Heaven as you share your witty wisdoms with Grandma French! A treasure of family history is gone now. What remains are wonder memories of a life well lived and a family who cherishes them. Rest in Peace, dear cousin. Or, as you were fond of saying, "Cheers!"
Mary Lou French
May 15, 2019
Dorothy Nerison
May 15, 2019
Dorothy Nerison
May 15, 2019
Dear Merilyn & Family ~ so sorry to Hear about Carter xox He was a Very special Man in My Life and I will never forget our Special bond we had together when he stopped by my house and said Enough with the Highway driving, we are going to take the Freeway NOW, I was terrified of the Freeway as I never had a car in Denmark so we went non stop driving on the exits freeway until I got comfortable, and Carter was laughing all the time at me. He was the Father figure for me here in America and I truly Loved Him. He will be missed by so many people for his Life experience and his Travel stories. Marylin, I am here for YOU, and please know that our sincere Condolence goes Out to YOU & Your Family, Love Birgit and Family. xox
Birgit Jensen
May 15, 2019
Rest In Peace
From
Bill, Linda, Lisa and Ryan
Witter
May 15, 2019
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