Farewell, Yvon

YVON HAS GONE
17th march 2023

Dear friends,

As you may already know, we have been in mourning and deep sadness since the sudden departure to Heaven of our friend and brother Yves "Yvon" Fonteneau. His death occurred during the night of 15 to 16 March 2023. Today we would like to share with you, very briefly and simply, a few words about Yvon, as we knew him.

Yvon was born in Paris on 9 March 1953. He came to L'Arche in Paris in 1986, at the age of 23. In 2002, wanting a change and feeling the need to live more in the countryside , he moved to Trosly-Breuil and arrived at La Ferme.

When he started as a member of our community, he continued to work at the ESAT day service: first in the market garden, then in the subcontracting sector. In 2017, he took his well-deserved retirement... but he continued to be very active at La Ferme, in the welcome, as well as in looking after our garden.

He was a ‘classic Parisian’ chic, smart, street-wise, but he became ‘a farmer’, most recently looking after our henhouse, when that was installed: for the past two years, Yvon had been taking faithful care of our three hens at La Ferme.

As those who knew him can testify, Yvon’s gift was to offer a really warm welcome. Attentive to each person, very considerate and kind, non-judgmental, always ready to help, to provide a service, to carry suitcases, to prepare a sandwich, a coffee, to show people around, etc.

He was also a courageous and big-hearted man. With great discretion, he overcame the many problems caused by his fragile health so as to take care of others, and give generously of himself. He was a real character.

He was a man of faith, too. The cross was always around his neck (until his last moment); at mass, a faithful altar server, and he never missed the times of prayer.

A man of unity who built bridges, who made solid friendships and remained faithful to them. A week ago, on Thursday 9 March 2023, Yvon brought together his many friends to celebrate his 70th birthday. It was a beautiful party, a day of joy and celebration, Yvon was in his element, happy and full of good spirits. We have chosen to share with you some photos taken on his special day.

We are deeply saddened by his sudden departure, and grateful for all that he gave, all that he was for us, during these 20 years at La Ferme.

Adieu, dear Yvon.

With our friendship,

La Ferme Community