Richard Alan French

Richard Alan French, age 69, passed away on November 18, 2020. Richard was born on January 19, 1951, in Coronado Island, CA. He passed away in his Canyon Lake home with his loving wife Barbara of 48 years by his side.

"Rick" attended Westminster High School and National University. He was a Vietnam Veteran with an honorable discharge. He worked as a Contracting Officer for Miramar Naval Air Station for over 20 years. Rick was very proud of his work on the contracts for the Top Gun Building on Miramar. Richard was a dedicated family man and coached his boys and nephews for many years in Baseball, Soccer, and Football. Richard arranged to have the Jr/ Sr and Tee-Ball fields built for Continental Little League in Escondido. He was a loving, kind, and consistent father figure. Richard and Barbara raised emus and llamas in Ramona, CA. Richard loved his grandchildren, and he loved to spend time with them or take them on golf cart rides. Usually, "Papa" or "Pop" would spot the kids a dollar bill when he saw them. He could often, and most recently, be seen riding his golf cart by his sweetheart Barbara's side in the city he claimed as his paradise, Canyon Lake, CA.

Aside from being survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Jennifer and three sons Joseph, Jason, and James, he leaves behind all of his grandchildren: Jordan, Michael, Alexa, Savannah, Tavia, Jett, Alyssa, Aurelia, Joseph II, LucaBella, Emma and Scarlett and great-grandchild Emersyn. Richard also leaves behind his siblings William II, Ellen, Tamara, and Dennis. Richard is preceded in death by his loving parents Irene and William C French. Richard was loved deeply by all of these people.

Richard was the ultimate family man, with family always being the thing he cared most for. From his brothers and sisters, to all of his grandkids, Richard ever cared about making sure they were happy. He would always give his family advice. He taught all of his kids to play Baseball and always gave his two cents to his family. He genuinely cared for them. If you know Richard, you know what is meant here. He was likely one of the most forthcoming person you ever knew.

An excellent example of the tremendous impact Richard had on people. His kids grew up playing Baseball because that is the sport Richard and the French family enjoyed. Eventually, as his kids got older, they wanted to play Football. Initially, Richard didn't support the idea of his boys playing Football. Regardless, he made them a deal. Should they all get a Grand Slam, Home Run, a triple, double, and single, in one game, they could play Football. Even though this was a very high goal for a baseball game, they did it. This example very much goes to show how good Richard was at inspiring people. He made his kids reach for goals and taught them all never to quit.

Something you may or may not know about "Rick" was that he suffered from heart problems. At one point, he had multiple heart attacks in one night and was sent to the hospital. He wasn’t expected to make it that day. Not much more than a few weeks later, he was back at home, back to normal. You would think something like this would scare someone, make them proceed with their life differently, but Richard stayed the same course. He seemed unstoppable. He fought hard through all the issues with his health and simply made the best of everything he had. He was strong for his family, and he was strong for himself. He lived every second of his life the way he wanted and always wanted nothing but the best.

Family Viewing to be held on December 13, 2020, 1:00 pm at Miller-Jones Mortuary in Menifee, CA. Richard will be laid to rest on Monday December 14, 2020, at 11:45, am in a private family service at Riverside National Cemetery. The family asks that any donations to be made in Richard's honor go toward Wounded Warriors as he was very proud of their service and support.