Stephen Herbert French

September 29th, 1952 - November 30th, 2013

Stephen's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Stephen here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

I am deeply saddened by Steve's death. An incredible person and talent has left our world. Luckily for all of us he leaves much proof of that talent behind for all of us to enjoy. I will now especially treasure the pieces I have. I can remember him coming over to our house years ago with some of his work and so wanting to purchase all of them. As an art student at the time, I was in great awe. I will always remember that wonderful smile also. Keep painting in Heaven dear friend.

Kathy Shanley Petfield

Dear French families
You have our deepest sympathy I am so sorry for your loss he will be missed by so many of us from Michigan to Florida... All of us have so many great memories of Steve alot of us are very fortune to have his beautiful Art work which we are all proud to have such talent in South Haven and most of all a schoolmate , He will never be forgotten We will all cherish and hold those memories close in our hearts...
Always know all of you will be in our Thoughts and Prayers during this difficult time.
May God be with you all... Always Candy Mueller Gryga and family

Candace Mueller Gryga

To Steve's family,

I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I had the pleasure of first meeting him when I worked at Bob's Film and Frame many years ago. He would always come in for framing work and was so nice. I got to know him as a person, not a famous artist! We got to be friends as he always took the time to talk with me when we saw each other at fairs, Fennville, or walking along the street. Always with a smile! The Heavens above will be his most awesome canvas to work. It will be beautiful!!! Blessings to you Steven and your family! When ever I see a bright Red Cardinal I'll think of you and cherish the paintings I have of yours! Will miss you my friend. Diane

Diane Duvall Vinoski

So very sorry to hear this most sad news. Few get to be immortal. But Steve's special style in his life's work hangs in abundance all around the world no doubt, and is viewed and enjoyed many times a day. Continuously. And will be. And so much of it about the small town we share. We're so lucky.
A special connection with Steve was, he purchased the 15-acres of special land I owned after he bought his 5 acres adjoining it along the road. He told me he used the sites he saw on those acres to paint. What a gifted human being. Plenty to paint in Heaven throughout eternity.

Barry Shanley

My heart is so very saddened as I just heard this news tonight. I moved to Indiana 3 years ago, but Casco Township had been my home for 40 years! So Steve was considered a neighbor! I got to know Steve well during the years I worked at the Credit Union. I am very saddened to say I do not own, not even 1, of his pieces. I always said, one of these days I will have one. I am at peace knowing Steve knew the Lord, and he is for eternally in a place much more beautiful than he could ever paint!

Tracy Marr-Hunsberger

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Steve. I think of him often as I look at the signed print of "Blueberry Time" in my kitchen. In 1991 I was the chair of the Blueberry Festival when I lived in S.H. and owned Gini & Josi with Johannah Dillon. Those were the days! Steve was a very important part in getting the "Art" part into the festival. He won the poster competition that year with "Blueberry Time". When I moved in 1992 he gave me a framed copy that I've treasured and will treasure even more with the memories now. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends.

Gini Pelton

We have lost a gifted person who was a visionary ahead of his times. He was a friend to many, and enemy to none. He had an innate ability to relate to so many people on so many levels. His wit, candor and sarcasm were always an unpredictable delight. I admired his belief in himself and his choice to travel his own path. I will fondly remember high school art class and working together at the grocery store. He was a real hoot, wherever he was.
My condolences to his family for this tragically premature loss.

Rebecca Covey

My condolences to the French family, I’m praying for him. Steve was a gifted artist and a good man. Enjoyed working with him for many years during the 70s at Buy Low market where he worked hard and we shared laughs. He shared many serious and humorous stories of his Army National Guard experiences where he was a Sergeant. Enjoyed and admired his boat wreck paintings. His emotional paintings were beautifully done, calming and beckoning the viewer to come inside.

Pat Valind

Chris, Tim, Joann and the French family,

I am deeply saddened by Steve's death. I'll never forget the great times that we all had together camping, having snow ball fights, sledding, playing in the pool, having an epic firework display or just sitting around the campfire. His fantastic artistic talent, his quick witted humor, and the love he gave to Chris, Tim and the rest of our gang throughout our childhood are memories I'll cherish forever. He was an inspiration to us all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cory (and Hillary) Ruell

Cory and Hillary Ruell

My heart is broken at this loss of a wonderful giving person. He would stop by my Mother's to see the blue bird house that she brought because he told her place would be great for them. She remarked that he was as excited as an expectant father to see them hatch. I acquired my first painting because it reminder me of home. We have several in our library and have always called it the "Steve French" room. We will miss going to the Art shows and see what is new in his paintings and chatting with him. Heaven is a much better place to be with him in it.

Jackie Altenburg Ware

My deepest condolences to the Steve's Family. What a shining star he will always be! Steve always came into the Tribune office and chitchatted when I worked there, we went out to lunch, and had great talks. The first time I met Steve, he looked at me and said, "You look like two people I know. Ruth Cisco and David Goodrode" (My parents) he went to school and was friends with both, but I never met him until my 20's. Steve would always stop and say hello and give a hug no matter what show he was at or even in Wal-Mart. Truely a kind hearted wonderful man! I will truly miss him!

Katherine Goodrode

Dear Family of Steve French,

I first met Steve in the early 1990's at Fennville High School when my friend Sue Park invited me to her classroom to observe Steve demonstrating wildlife painting for her art students. Soon after that, at Goose Festival, I bought a lighthouse painting of his for my disabled husband to hang in his assisted living room. Two years ago, Steve, Sue and I were vendors at Glenn Winter Market. I'd had a good day. When I admired a still life he had painted, he sold it to me for a bargain price. It was St. Patrick's Day, and Sue, he and I had a long corned beef lunch together after the market closed. Just this past weekend, as I admired my paintings and Goose Festival signed prints, I thought, "I need to buy a bird painting from him." I hope he's painting for all of his admirers in heaven.

Marie Kelley

We meet Steve many years ago and have continued to be two of his most fervent admirers. His prints and one original hang on our walls to remind us of his outstanding talent and of his giving spirit. With his friendly smile to brighten our day, he would stop by our house to give us some of his chicken's eggs and to chat a bit. It pleased him to see his work decorating our home.
Now, with a tear in our eyes, we will look at his legacies and be thankful that we had the opportunity to know such a wonderful man.
And, oh, how we will miss him!

Sam & Carolyn Bedrosian

We were all so shocked to hear of the passing of Steve. Such a dear sweet man that always had a big smile and greeting when we seen him. He had such a way of making you feel so good and important to him, and it came from the heart. He was a genuinely loving man! We were so blessed to call him part of our family. Our world is a little darker with him not in it... Sending our deepest sympathies to Gary, Sherry, Chris and Tim. May god give you comfort in seeing all the love Steve has given to so many of us! He truly was a great & gifted man we all loved & cared for deeply. His love of this earth will go on through all of his works and will always be in our heart... Much love... The Weber family

Sue (Weber) Worline

Steve was my first encounter with a real live working artist. I am about 6 years his junior and never had a very direct connection with him but as a young person who constantly drew pictures in a small town, it was through his wonderful artwork being displayed around town that I realized that there were real people out there who make their way through their art. I am in his debt for daring to dream and succeed in becoming an artist myself. I only wish I had gotten to know him better as a person.

Charles A. LaRue

I am profoundly sad to hear of Steve's passing. He and I are both artists from South Haven who went to SHHS. Although our career paths became divergent after I moved to Chicago I remember amiable times talking to him at various art fairs where we were both showing in the early days. We were always respectful of one another's work. I knew that he had two children but didn't realize that he had a number of sisters. May his family keep his memory alive through his paintings and through positive recollections.

Anne Farley Gaines

Was a shock for Steve's classmates (SHHS 1971) to hear of his death. We have lost a good man and an accomplished artist. But Steve will remain immortal among us gracing the walls of homes and businesses across the country. May his family take comfort in his fans everywhere who knew him or if they didn't, knew his art. South Haven has produced some remarkable people. Steve French is one of those natives. God bless you, Steve. Peace to your family.

PJ Canonie-Bubin

I was deeply saddened and shocked to read about Steve's passing. I knew him well after moving to South Haven out of college and becoming close friends with Anne. He was always so full of life and energy and ideas and brought so much to fruition. It's hard to imagine all that talent and friendliness and full of life now gone from us. I remember when he persuaded us to get up super early in the morning (I think it was around 4 am) and travel to the Field Museum to stand in line for hours to get into the King Tut exhibit. I grumbled a bit but it was the most amazing day and if Steve hadn't pushed us into doing it, I would never had that experience.

He truly left his mark and though I hadn't seen him recently--in fact I wondered why he wasn't at the last few St. Joseph Art Fairs--I will always remember his warmth and sincerity. My deepest sympathy to his family. What a joy to have known him, what a loss but his memory will continue on in his works and the way he touched people's lives.

Jane Simon Ammeson

Just today became aware of the passing of Steve. I am so sorry that I missed the service for him. Many favorite memories of Steve were when we both worked at Jack's in our younger days. Saw him this past summer as we always did at the many shows. Steve had a huge heart and always had time for you. His talent goes beyond belief. Heart felt sorrow to all his family. He will be missed but his humor,art and that smile will forever be etched on me and anyone who knew him. Rest in peace Steve.

Gary Steinbach

Steve was a tremendous person and artist! He inspired me very much and always had that adventurous look in his eye which usually ended in a tremendous conversation! I have been working on a oil painting of the Elsie J. Fishing boat in it's glory days for years! Finally signed it! Just a few strokes of the brush to go! I will miss you Steve! If anyone would like to visit my online Karaoke studio from South Haven here is my link!
"SingSnap.com
Push watch and listen bar!
Members bar!
Type in -rockafrybaby"
Singing Elvis Christmas right now! I know Steve would love my visit! A friend forever that will be missed!

Jeffrey Nicholson

We were big fans of Steve and his art. We always enjoyed the times we had to chat briefly with Steve across the years. He had a warm heart and contagious smile. We proudly display some prints, an artist proof and even one original of finches on fence which our church in Otsego gave us after 25 years of service. It was a great gift which we will always treasure. Just as we treasure Steve. Our love and prayers go out to all lf his family.

Tim and Linda Foreman

Tim and Linda Foreman

Dear French family,
What sad news. We've known Steve since way back when, and he always had time to talk and share your news. He worked at a local store during college, and loved to stop to chat. We are lucky enough to own several of his paintings, and will treasure them even more now. He was an incredible talent, and will be missed by his friends and those around the world that have his work. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in his family. Blessings… Sue

Suzanne Scott

Dear French family,
As many have said Steve's talent was only out done by his wonderful personality. I've known Steve since our school days and watched as he went from a bag boy and butcher department clerk at the grocery store to the wonderfully successful artist we all loved. He would come into Appleyards' to get his works framed and always ask about other local artists and what we may have thought about their work. I am also grateful to have a small piece of his work that my sister gave to me as a gift one year. From now on when I see those beautiful sunsets over the lake I will certainly think that Steve may have had his say in how it should look and is using a rainbow as his pallet- the ultimate watercolor. Rest in peace, Kate