July 3, 1946 - January 20, 2022
On Thursday, January 20th 2022, Brant Phelps French passed away peacefully in Burnaby General Hospital at the age of 75.
Brant was born on July 3rd, 1946 to Richard and Mabel (née Dobie) French in Vernon, BC. He spent his younger years working on his family's cattle ranch, with a majority of his spare moments spent learning and playing football.
Following his teenage years, he began a challenging and rewarding career with the Royal Bank Canada (RBC). He was known for sharing his knowledge, supporting and encouraging his workplace friends and colleagues and fostering positivity.
As a dedicated banker with RBC, he championed out-of-the-box thinking to solve daily challenges and problems. In addition to his outgoing manner, this helped him become a successful and admired colleague, and a friend and mentor to so many people.
Outside his successful career, Brant especially enjoyed coaching and supporting young people in the community. As a coach, he motivated and recruited young football players and volunteers for the Point Grey Browns, Westside Warriors and Vancouver Trojans.
The years spent on and off the field left an envied legacy of memories and lifelong friendships. In recognition of his loyalty to the players and contributions to the development of football in BC, Brant was recognized with the 2011 BC Lions Football Orange Helmet Award as a "Football Pioneer".
Brant was married to Anne Raincock on May 3rd, 1973. They raised their daughter Morgan together on the Westside of Vancouver. Brant proudly told the stories of Morgan growing up playing football and having the best three-point stance at the ripe old age of 3.
Brant adored his grandchildren Dakota and Ryder; he would often repeat endearing and hilarious anecdotes to anyone in earshot, as many times as they would allow, and then some more.
After Anne's passing, Brant again welcomed love into his life with Marilyn Mclean. Over the past 13 years, they were fortunate to share their passion for travel, infectious laughter and love of family. Even in chaos, Brant was the calm to Marilyn's storm, and Marilyn the altruistic presence Brant didn't know he needed.
He was anything but 'step' as a step-parent; he willingly embraced Marilyn's children Kristen and Michael into his life. Over time, Brant became their trusted confidante, safe place, teacher and friend, earning a name he wore proudly, 'Papa', to Kristen and Bobby's sons.
Brant was preceded in death by his wife Anne, and his parents Richard and Mabel.
He is survived by his love and partner Marilyn Mclean, his daughter Morgan (James) French and their children Dakota and Ryder; step-daughter Kristen (Bobby) Faurot, their sons Sawyer and Ben, and step-son Michael Young.
He is lovingly remembered by his siblings Percy-Ann (Jerry) Urquhart, Fran French (Dennis) Sponholz and Duff (Julie) French and countless other family and friends.
Brant did not wish for a memorial service. He will be cremated with his ashes spread over the range previously known as Broadview Ranch in Vernon, BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau or the Breast Cancer Society of Canada, two causes that were near to Brant's heart.
In the care of First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens.