Martin French Obituary

My deepest and heart fealt condolences to the Marty's family and friends. Marty was one of the most caring people I have ever known. Marty was without question the truest friend I have ever known. He was one who helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life when no one else was around. His kindness will never be forgotten. I had only known Marty since his move to Chicago in the late 90's but in that time in has changed my life for the better more that any person. Marty would always say to me, "You've got potential, and potential means you haven't done anything." His words and mentoring have paid off and made a tremendous difference in my life. He inspired to go back to shcool and finish my degree. In fact, he even drove me to register. Five years have passed since that day and I am graduating with a degree in Chemistry on May 14, 2006, Mother's day. I will be wearing a tie he gave me as a gift in his honor. I would not be where I am today if not for Marty. I know he will be there with me in spirit. The loss I feel in his absence leaves me gasping for breath. No one will ever replace "The Marty Man" as we would call him. I know that my friendship with Marty was one of the greates I will ever know in my life-time. My love for him transcends even his passing. He and I spent a good deal of time traveling, LA, Laguana Beach, SanFrancisco, Vegas (How he loved Vegas). We rang in the new millenium together. He even let me stay at his house when I was bewteen apartments for a short period. There are so many wonderful memories. Memories I will carry forever. I think of Marty every day. The last time I spoke to him, he was encouraging as always but he never told me about his condition. He never even hinted at it. I can't uderstand why... I would have been there for him. I owe him practically everything and more importantly he was my friend. I guess I'll never know. I do know, however, that I really miss him. Sometimes I think of him and I can see him standing before me in crisp blue Nordstrom (How he loved Nordstrom)shirt and I can smell his soap,Dove, and I can hear him in the back of my mind..."Scott, to be successful, you have to get up early"...It's in moment's like those, I know he is still with me.

Martin “I’ll buy a big house where we all can live” French



Bigger than life does not begin to describe Marty. Marty had this uncanny ability to blow into a room, take it by storm, lead us all to our next adventure and somehow not mind the abrasive manner in which he sometimes did it. You couldn’t help but be drawn in and those of us lucky enough to get close – are all the better for it. I left Chicago, feeling like there was so much more I wanted to squeeze out of each day and each person I encountered.



For those who did not hear this – Marty was instrumental in my getting to Arizona State University. It still stands as the best 2 years of my life ( the birth and life of my son, Brendan, notwithstanding). I often refer to ASU as my “Camelot” years. Pure , unadulterated bliss! As a senior at Miller Place High school, ASU offered me a scholarship, however under parental duress I caved (the rents as the Frenches call them)- and attended GW on a partial scholarship. Misery followed. On the verge of a breakdown, Linda calling daily to ensure I did not end up on the pavement, Marty wired me a plane ticket to Phoenix with explicit instructions “ to get off my you idiot- and go talk to Carol Fisher – she’s waiting!”. End result; Happiness and forever indebted to Marty.



He was a life force on campus, at the Pike house and in the badminton world. He did love to sing – (if you can call it that)- and I fondly remember his mantra to “buy a big house where we all can live…. And play badminton forever” I believe he did buy that house but I had by then moved into the next chapter in my life as a budding career woman in Manhattan. I am sure I missed more “bliss” …….



He is for sure “Chairman of the Board” in the ultimate presidential suite -above. Love, MF.

Dear Paul, Janet, Ann and Linda:



What an amazing human being your son/ brother was. He impacted so many lives in a positive manner. 'Was a role model to many badminton players and friends. It was Marty that took US Badminton to new heights. Not being afraid to throw the box outside the window, and start at ground zero. His contributions to USBA at such a young age were by far the most impactful at putting US badminton at the Olympic Level. He paved the way for all of us today. I will never forget our experience in route to Prague for the Thomas/Uber Cup!!!! Snow blizard and all...



As a mentor, he was a tremendous force of wisdom, persistence and determination. I can see him saying to Linda and I as we repeatedly would ask for funding and apply for every grant imaginable,” This is mere pennies!!! You have no idea how successful you both will be in the world. You will laugh when you remember my words of wisdom". Sure enough, Marty knew that we were capable of achieving. I remember his words often as I go about achieving success in the workplace. We had agreed that "No means maybe, maybe means yes."



More importantly, I remember Marty to be the most giving, compassionate, loyal friend. He will be remembered forever and missed dearly. I am so glad to have been present on July 22nd to have shared the celebration of Marty's life.



Thoughts and prayers,



Erika Von Heiland

I remember great times working with Marty when he was a Baxter SP rep. He was always very witty and great joy to be with. I remember the golf outings and sharing success as he became a manager at Baxter. All the best, my friend.

Paul, Janet, Anne and Linda,

We were all saddened to hear of Martin's passing. We all have fond memories of him as a young boy and it was always a pleasure to hear of his successes as he became a young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Harry, Mary, Linda, Bob, Betty and Nancy Laser

I worked closely with Marty at Dade Behring over the last 5 years and I always looked forward to his calls and his emails, even if it meant extra work for me because I was happy to do things for him. He was a tremendous motivational force for me and many many others at the company. He was the type of leader you not only respected and admired but someone you also wanted to go to the bar with because he was always fun. He demonstrated excellent listening skills which were apparent when I frequently stood in line outside his office just to get time with him. He was a dear friend of mine and a great mentor. I miss him tremendously. My condolences to his family and partner.

Heard the news while on vacation...when I heard he was gone, snapshots of memories came into my head - all from Junior Nationals in the late 70s and early 80s....all of them made me smile and even laugh. He had such a quick wit and was always a blast to be around. I remember watching him play badminton and thinking what an awesome player he was. As many of us drifted away from the sport after high school / college, he remained true to the game and has helped to take it to new heights.



My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

To Marty's family & friends - may you be at peace knowing Marty will ALWAYS be with us in our hearts & memories.



I worked with Marty for over 9 years at Dade; he was the true definition of Mentor. He inspired everyone he came in contact with to be non-complacent and to challenge status-quo. He has supported me throughout my professional development and I am so thankful to have met him. I will miss our frequent late afternoon chats, discussing "opportunities for change" and his neverending passion for people. He would always say with a sense of realism "anyone can be replaced"; well Marty - you will certainly NEVER be forgotten.

Dear Janet, Paul, Linda & Anne,

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. It is so sad to happen to someone so young. We want to give our sincere sympathy to all your family.

Dear Janet, Paul, Ann and Linda,



I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to you during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.



Karin

Dear Janet, Paul, Ann, and Linda,



We offer our sincerest sympathies and join you in grief over Marty's loss. Having seen him grow up in badminton, from the junior ranks to a colleague, compatriot, and leader, we have a multitude of memories of his wit, wisdom, and determination. He left an indelible mark on our game, all for the better. What a pleasure it was to work with him. He was a star in a family of stars.

Mr. & Mrs. French, Ann & Linda,



So sorry to hear about Marty--he was so young! What a great player and leader for USA Badminton--he always thought outside the box! It was my pleasure to win the Mixed Doubles in Miami at the Southern with him in 1989--he was an awesome mixed player. We enjoyed his trips to St. Louis for our Classic. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.

It was always a pleasure to work for and with Marty. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.

Mr. and Mrs. French,



My most sincere condolences on your loss. Marty was like a brother to my son and for a number of years we shared in Paul's development. When I look at the people who most influenced Paul, Martin's face comes to the fore. Graduates in Liberal Studies who play badminton are not too well sought after by coporations. Marty showed several of the young guys how to take their incredible competitive edge and be successful in another world. When Paul was at ASU (and often at Marty's homes)he was 3,000 miles away from home. We were always comforted by the fact that Marty was there to look out for him. We were grateful then and always will be. He was a great friend to the McAdam family and we were very sad to hear the news.

This is difficult to write. Not only have I lost a friend, I feel I have lost the big brother I never had. We had some amazing times in Arizona and California and they will always be great memories but there was also difficult times and you were always there with good advice and of course, the famous credit card. You were the one who guided me on my journey and my very successful career (so far). You were a fabulous role model, you made me see that you could balance your life with an intense career but also a lot of fun. Thanks for the good times, the world's lost a great person, you'll be sorely missed.

My condolances to Marty's family and friends. I worked with Marty at Baxter Healthcare in the early 90's. We spent many an hour together driving around the Palm Springs area calling on various accounts. The "work withs" were always a delight and time flew. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know him.



Marty was loved by many and will surely be missed.

I want to express my deepest sympathies to all of Marty's family and friends. I am privileged to have called Marty friend for 20 years and co-worker for 15. I will always remember his wit, passion and, most of all, his friendship. I will miss him.

Marty,



You were a true inspiration to us here at Dade Behring. Your leadership taught us all how to work together, how to play together, and how to be a family. Your enthusiasm, strength, and laughter will be missed.

My condolences to the entire French family for your loss of Marty. My brother, John Barnes, was a fraternity brother of Marty's at ASU and I was one year younger, attending ASU as well. He was a dear, sweet, funny guy from what I remember, he will be missed.

Elizabeth (Barnes) Reiners

Martin and Family: My deepest sympathy. Martin was like a brother to me who I always admired. So glad I got to speak to him in length when first diagnosed. It was great catching up, although sorry I didn't get to Chicago to visit him. He will be so very missed. Love and prayers to you all. Sandy

Heaven has now received the "#1 Raving Fan".



Marty, Dade Behring will never be the same without you. May your family be at peace knowing what a wonderful contribution you made on this earth to so many people who's lives you not only touched, but changed.

Martin had a significant part in defining my life. He encouraged and always told it like it was. If it weren't for Martin, I would not be working with children today or in my current career field. God sent Martin to do his work and now it is completed. He is in paradise now. I'll miss you.



Kampol

Marty,

I will always remember your smiling face and never forget your "mumblings" as you cruised the halls of the Glasgow site. We have lost a true friend. Godspeed to you,