Michael Paul “Frenchie” French made his last cast peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 1st, 2021, at his home in Cork Station, NB at the age of 70. Born in Moncton on April 6th, 1951, Michael grew up mostly in Fredericton, although he made his true home on the rivers of New Brunswick.
Michael graduated from FHS, and briefly attended St. Thomas University and Sir George Williams University in Montreal. He began his early career working at Canada Post, the Littlerock Pub, and the Hilltop Bar and Grill, but quickly made his way to the Miramichi where he discovered his lifelong passion: hunting, guiding and fly-fishing. He was the Guide and Manager at the Sevogle Salmon Club from 1990-2009, and this is where he first met his life partner Chantal, whom he hired as a cook for the club. Throughout his life, Michael was a sought-after guide by the elite of the sport because of his expertise on the river, and his storytelling ability. He was gifted and respected at tying flies, and many salmon have been caught all over the world because of his talent with bits of line and feather. After moving on from the Sevogle, he spent a few years fly-fishing for himself on the Restigouche and the Upsalquitch, and hunting in the woods of southern New Brunswick.
Michael was accomplished at the “gentleman sports” of golfing and skiing. He was also a world traveler, visiting Costa Rica, Honduras, Colombia, Greece, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Australia and the Philippines. He spent his final years doing what he loved best: guiding and caretaking at the Restigouche River Lodge.
Michael will be remembered as passionate, strong-willed, and steadfast in his convictions. He will be sorely missed by his partner, Chantal Gratton, his sisters Diane (Tom) Gillett of Chipman NB, Darlene Lam of Nanaimo BC, Donna MacInnis of Calgary AB, brothers Bill (Rena) and Peter French both of Nanaimo BC, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Michael was predeceased by his parents Don and Flora (nee LeBlanc), his aunt Roselys LeBlanc, his uncle Gerry (Marie) LeBlanc, sister-in-law Amy French, and his special Memère, Roselle LeBlanc, who first instilled in him a love of nature.
Michael will be laid to rest at St. Thomas Parish Cemetery in Memramcook, NB. There will be a Celebration of Life at a date to be determined.
To honour Michael’s life, donations can be made to the Conservation Council of New Brunswick or a charity of the donor’s choice, or you could take a walk in the woods or a paddle down the river and enjoy the beauty that Michael loved so much.
Funeral arrangements are in the compassionate care of Chipman Funeral Home & Crematorium (339-6612).
Memories and condolences may be shared through www.chipmanfuneralhome.ca.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Frenchie Paul French 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Chipman, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick