Nathan Eugene ‘Eagle’ French passed away on March 28, 2026. Born in Eureka to Ronald and Gloria French on May 9, 1968, Nathan was known for his big smile and love of sports. He enjoyed playing football, baseball, and softball for the Night Spirits and traveling to tournaments. Nathan was deeply loved and will be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

​Nathan was a kind man who could often be found with a smile on his face. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Punkin” (Smiling) French; parents, Ronald and Gloria; grandparents, Donald and Daisy French, and Lewis and Lydia Sanderson; uncle, Gary Markussen Sr.; uncle, Albert Sr.; Albert Jr. “Bubba” Llewellyn; sister-in-law, Tracey Masten; and nephew, Llewellyn French Jr.

He is survived by Ronald French Jr., Cheree French-Bowie, and Llewellyn French Sr. (Tracy French). He is also survived by his uncle, Daniel French Sr., and his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his nephews, Kapel Robbins of Loleta, and Franklin Donahue and his children: Eugene Donahue, Franklin Donahue Jr., and Raider Donahue of Yreka. He is survived by his niece, Lydia Robbins (and the late Israel “Chilo” Renteria) of Rio Dell; his great-nieces and great-nephews: Myriah “Bear” (David Rodriguez), Stormy Star, Ronald Robbins Marshall, Evelina Robbins, Gloria Robbins Salinas, Guillermo “Momo” Robbins Salinas, Dwayne “Ishi” Robbins Salinas, Maria Esther “Sweetie” Renteria Robbins, and Julian Jay “Pollito” Renteria Robbins.

He is also survived by his niece, Trisha Ray French (Loren Ray Sr.) and LJ; Gregory Gilbert; daughter-in-law, Amanda Marshall (French); Kami French; and Kyle French and his partner, Soriah Herrera.

He leaves behind many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews: Alexandria Gilbert, Ethan French, Loren Ray Jr., Mila Ryan, Jordan Gilbert, Silas French, Koda Ryan, Ellen Gilbert, Kahea Ryan, Samera Medina, and Romina French.

Honorary Pallbearers:

Sylvester Brown, Frankie Donahue, Ricky Sanderson, Kapel Robbins, Ronnie Robbins, Rodney Robbins, Everett “Muss” Colgrove, Harold Sonny Jones Jr., Willie Lamebear, Walter Grey, Julian Markussen Jr., Roy Robinson, and Jeremy Houston.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Hospice of Humboldt nursing staff and social workers for the profound compassion and expert care they provided during Nathan’s final days. We also wish to share a special thank you to Roy Robinson and Sylvester Brown for their unwavering support. Our sincere appreciation goes to Chairman Joe James and the Yurok Tribe for their leadership and community strength, as well as to Paramdeep Hira and Kelly for their kindness and dedicated presence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the “Pink Church” located off Highway 96 in Hoopa, California. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a meal at the Trading Post. To honor our loved one’s spirit of community, guests are invited to bring a dish to share; your contribution would be highly appreciated.