Michael "Mike" French

Michael William French was born in Wheaton, Illinois, on the 16th of February 1978, to parents Cathy and Bill French. He passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, the 22nd of March 2022. He was 44 years of age.

After Michael’s birth, it only took four months before the French family moved to the great state of Texas, which would be Michael’s home of record for the rest of his life

Michael began participating in sports at the age of five and sports became the love of his life. Whether it was swim team, soccer, tee ball or basketball he excelled in them all as well as being a top student. When the family moved to London for three years Michael continued his love of sport, particularly soccer, both as a player and as a supporter of his favorite team, Arsenal.

At the highly acclaimed American School in London (ASL), Michael adapted to international life and planted the seeds for a life of travel and adventure. One of the highlights of his athletic career was being voted the Most Valuable Swimmer when ASL won The International Scholastic Sports Tournament Swim meet in Cairo, Egypt. Michael won four gold medals and a silver.

Michael continued his love of soccer, not only playing for ASL, he also played for an English team. He demonstrated his leadership skills and was elected Captain of his English Team the last two years he played. He also was selected as the top player in his age group at the famous Bobby Charlton Soccer School at Manchester United.

Returning to Houston, Michael played for Klein High School and The Texans Soccer Club. He was elected to the Scholastic All State team his senior year. Based on his scholastic ability and athletic ability Michael received an appointment to attend West Point from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. However, Michael chose to attend Vanderbilt University where he received a BS in Human and Organization Development with a minor in Chemical Engineering. While at Vanderbilt, Michael played Rugby and was a member of the PHI KAPPA SIGMA Fraternity.

Michael’s professional career was predominately in the Global Energy and Oil and Gas Industry. In his most recent assignments, Michael was employed by Halliburton for nearly 12 years in positions throughout the world. He worked and lived in Dubai for three years and has had assignments in Business Development, Project Management and Human Resources. His business travels has taken him to over 30 countries principally associated with the Global Energy markets. Coincidentally, many of his trips just so happened to align with a major sporting event such as the World Cup or the Olympics.

In the past year, Michael has taken on a new family member, his favorite dog, Shiner. Shiner and Michael spent Sundays running, swimming and watching the games.

For all his love of international travel and sports, Michael remained a true family man as it relates to his “mum,” his dad and his sister, Suzanne. Family vacations were a big part of his life and fed his love for travel and adventure.

He leaves behind his biggest supporter and best friend, his mom, Catherine French; his dad and good buddy, William French; and his ever-loving sister, Suzanne Swiderski and her husband David; and their three children, Jackson, Abby and Katie. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the United States.

A funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Sunday, the 27th of March, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. KINDLY NOTE: Those who are unable to attend may join the livestream whose link will be available in the service information block on his page at GeoHLewis.com.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

There will then be an “after-reception” at a venue to be announced during the services.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to PTSD Foundation of America – Camp Hope, 9724 Derrington RD, Houston, TX 77064 or online at pstdusa.org or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 1776 Yorktown Street #560, Houston, TX 77056 or online at jdrf.org.

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