Ronald Harry French

Passed from this life early June 2017, taken from us unexpectedly. Ron was born March 19th, 1946, the 2nd son of Richard and Elizabeth (Weed) French. He played basketball in his Schoolcraft High School days, graduating class of 1964. He married Linda DeVries of Comstock soon after and began the type of work he so enjoyed, employed at Godders machine shop. During this time he also became the father of 2 daughters. As life moved on, he wed Mary Kuiper, moved his family to Portage, and began pursuing his dream of building his own engine workshop while working at Dick Loehr's. A few years later his life changed again as he wed Penny Madsen and began several years at Kalamazoo Stamping & Die while forming his own business, French Bros. Competition Engines. Eventually he retired from General Motors and united with the late Lynne Di Loreto. Ron loved motorcycles & area car races-attending and cheering his clients, and also watching NASCAR. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, and his joy of connecting with family & friends, sharing his music, making memories, and earning a reputation as the host with the most. He was also an animal lover, owning many beloved cats, dogs, & birds through the years. He leaves in mourning his daughters Ronda (Robert) Hamilton and Renee (Brad) Johnson; brothers Dave (Joyce) French and Larry (Deb) French; grandchildren Joyce, Ethan, Roslyn, Rochelle, Rhianna, Brady, Brooke, and Brenna; nephews David and Kevin; niece Dawn; special family Christine (John) Udvardy, Tasha and Stewart as well as many cousins. He will be missed by many dear friends.