André’s Journey — From Tarare to Etroussat
André, Papa, Papoune, Parrain, Cousin, Teacher, Council Member…
You wore many hats, and wore them all with grace.
Born in 1941 in Tarare, near Lyon,
You were the son of a Resistance hero, lost in 1944.
Raised by grandparents and uncles, some strict, others kind,
You carved your independence early.
You worked nights in Paris to pay for your studies by day.
You passed your CAP to become a teacher —
A vocation and a way to heal your own childhood.
You dodged the Algerian war thanks to your status,
And during a military leave, you met Arlette on a train.
Love at first sight.
You married, moved to Soissons, then Clermont-Ferrand,
Where you joined the Michelin schools in 1966,
And then the public education system in 1968.
You taught generations of children,
And raised Laurence and Emmanuel.
In 2003, grief struck with Emmanuel’s passing.
You and Arlette rebuilt your lives in Etroussat,
Restoring your home, becoming part of the community,
And sharing your generosity with everyone around you.
You passed in your 83rd year,
But not without leaving behind
A legacy of resilience, humor, service, and love.
As someone once said:
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
And now, as your sons-in-law say so well:
Thank you, Papa.
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