A TRIBUTE TO RENE MICHAUD A TRUE CHAMPION

A TRIBUTE TO RENE MICHAUD A TRUE CHAMPION

Rene Michaud, a true gentleman

The sudden death of Rene Michaud last week surprised many, particularly everyone who knew him well. This tragic lost is very painful for all close to Rene. He was walking around being his usual jovial character just the day before. In fact, all seemed perfect on the morning of the day he passed away. He woke up on Tuesday morning last week and set off for work just as he has done on countless mornings before. A school friend who attended his funeral said that Rene met up with him only two days before he passed away. They stood and chatted for half an hour and all seemed perfect with Rene.

Rene died at the age of 46. He grew up at Mont Fleuri and attended Seychelles College Primary and Secondary up to ‘O’ Level standard. He went to the United Kingdom for further studies. Rene’s favourite sport at Seychelles College was Table Tennis. He started playing the game at a very tender age. His contribution to the game locally is equal to none. Table Tennis was flagging at one stage in the country; Rene took centre stage in reviving the sport.

During his reign at the top, Rene represented Seychelles internationally in 1985 for the first time. He went on to represent his country both abroad and locally on countless occasions. He was never one to complain even when things were not going right or he was not receiving the required support from the authorities in the game of Table Tennis. Rene was indeed a true gentleman, one to emulate…..

Everyone without exception who knew Rene will miss him. Seychelles has lost a son of the soil. A true son who had respect for others and devotion for what he did. Apart from being a brilliant Table Tennis player, Rene was an enthusiastic photographer. Our heart-felt sympathy goes out to the family and to all who is hurting because of this tragic lost. “Rene we will miss you!”

The eulogy read in church by Mr. John Etienne on behalf of the family

“Our beloved Rene Michaud – the eulogy of a person who in one’s wildest dreams never thought we would have to write. Every single person here carries a precious memory of him just like his camera captured so many memories for so many of us.

The beloved son, the caring husband and father, the brother, the adored nephew, the loudest one at domino, the teaser, the coach, the friend, the photographer.

How can he be gone, we ask. How can we go on without him, but knowing him he would have said “ewla aret fer zot bet don – lanmor I voler!”

We are thankful for the precious 46 years we were given with him but somehow it has left us a little greedy for more. So it is with much regret and sorrow, Lord, that we entrust our beloved into your hands. Please take good care of him, for he took such good care of us!!

We are saying not goodbye but “farewell” and the precious memories of the time we spent in his presence will comfort us until we see him again.

God’s speed Rene!

Till we meet again, until then we will miss you terribly.”

Mr. John Etienne added his own personal tribute to a man he knew so well and loved so much:

“Pa ziz en zonm zis par son tit me par son leker – Rene ti en gran zanmi – pas zis pour mwan me en zanmi pour nou tou – Rene ti en zanmi ki ti la dan tou moman – dan lazwa – dan latristes. Ozordi nou pei in perdi enn son bon zanfan!!!!!”

Rene Michaud the Table Tennis champion

Rene Michaud the camera man

A wonderful photo of a Fairy Tern capture by Rene Michaud.