Don R. French

Captain Don Randall French, 57, of Moscow, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 27, 2024, in Bingham.
Born on March 31, 1967, Don was the beloved son of Randall Elmer French and Diana M. Heald. He received his education in the local schools and was known for his unwavering work ethic. Before being employed at KLC for nearly a decade, Don drove the big rigs with pride and was always excited to tell folks he'd driven through almost all of the states. He also worked construction and had a steady supply of stories to tell about those many folks he met and worked alongside. There wasn't much he wouldn't do to provide for his family.
Following those professions, Don drove fork-truck for Kennebec Lumber in Solon where he was respected by his colleagues for his dedication and reliability. His long-time coworker, Troy, was always talked about with respect and he would come home regularly with stories to tell about their days. He spoke with extreme respect for his boss, Dennis Carrier, and was so grateful for his position at the company. He was thrilled to have a job he enjoyed so close to home. He took great pride in giving his best efforts for the company.
Don loved to cook for his wife, family, and friends. He would be the first one to belly up to the grill with spatula in hand. Many weekends in the home, he would eagerly prepare potatoes to make his family-famous fried potatoes. He always cut up extra so his grandson could enjoy them as well. When he wasn't busy working with his wife on endless projects around the home and enjoying just being outside together, he was certainly having fun with his time at the stove. It will be missed.
Don was also an avid motorcycle rider and would ride as early in the spring and as late in the fall as humanly possible. There were days when the wife would question him with tilted head about why he'd want to ride in such cold. His response was simply that people do the same thing on snowmobiles, so why not be cold on a motorcycle. He had it in his blood. I know many out there who likely understand. Anyone who rides in the future, give a wave to the skies. Just maybe he's watching. He'd love that.
Don served as a Captain at the Bingham Fire Department, a role he embraced with pride and commitment. His colleagues affectionately referred to him as the "Captain of the Hose," a testament to his diligence in ensuring the department always had a robust water supply and the necessary equipment. His contributions extended beyond the firehouse; Don was a cornerstone of the community, known for his infectious sense of humor and fierce dedication to those he loved. He always talked with sincere respect for the fire chief and would want him to know and remember how grateful he was for being the wonderful chief he is for the area - and for letting him be part of the team.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine and her sons and their family, Wade, Jace, & Jamie, Tyler and Rowynn, and Spencer, Jessica, Aria, and Aurora, as well as those others who might call him Grampa or family; his mother, Diana, and her husband John Ward; John's daughter, Jessica, Nick, and Anabella Santangelo; his sister, Cynthia Lagrange, and her husband, Harvey and family; nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, and cousins. He is survived as well by his two estranged sons, Dustin and Daryn. They were thought of often.
Don's legacy of service, laughter, and love and dedication to his family will forever be cherished by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by so many - in so many ways.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2024 at Giberson Funeral Home, 18 River Street, Bingham at 1:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for Don's family and to view the online obituary, please visit www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.
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