Donald Henry French

8/16/1949 – 2/1/2014

Donald Henry French, age 64, of Santa Barbara, passed away February 1 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Don is survived by his wife Janet Nancarrow French and his spirit lives on through his children: Bodine (Jessica) French, Cody (Gabriela) French, Carlene (Scott) Wilson and Carson French; his grandchildren: Siena and Layla Wilson, Sebastian French and Nathan French (due 3/8/14) as well as their grandmother Cay Sanchez.

Don was born to Don and Virginia French, Aug. 16, 1949 in Oakland, CA. He graduated from Cupertino High in 1966 and received a BA in Political Science from the University of California Santa Barbara in 1970. Later in life his love for the written word propelled him to receive his Masters in Creative Writing.

During his college years, Don was the program director for KCSB. His love for music was a passion that continued throughout his life. In the early 1970’s Don started his own Graphic Design firm, Don French & Associates and continued to work until late last year. He was passionate and talented in his work. This was reflected in his many accolades including numerous award winning book projects. Don was also a loved and respected professor as well as the Program Chair for Graphic Design at Brooks Institute. He was an engaging teacher who was proud of his work and had a profound effect on his students.

Don was a kind, wise, funny and greatly respected Dad, Husband, Granddad, Teacher, Coworker and Friend. His humor and gentle strength will be greatly missed.

A memorial and celebration of his life will be held at El Paseo restaurant on Monday, February 17 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Santa Barbara or Hospice of Santa Barbara.