A humble and understated ceremony, much like the man it honored. On Saturday,January 18,2025,the town of Loches and its local judo club unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicated to André Vittoz,a devoted volunteer and treasurer of the club from 2005 to 2021. Vittoz passed away from Covid-19 on january 21, 2021, at the age of 75.
Two Decades of Dedication
The plaque now graces the club’s dojo, which has been named in his honor. Marc Angenault, the mayor and regional councilor, opened the tribute by describing Vittoz as “approachable, kind-hearted, and refreshingly candid.” He added, “Inspired by his children’s involvement in judo, he devoted a notable portion of his life to serving others, only to leave us too soon, a victim of the pandemic.”
Benoît Brun, president of the Lochois Judo Dojo, which currently boasts 65 members, followed with heartfelt words. “This plaque symbolizes our gratitude for André’s unwavering contributions. He joined the club in 1995 with his son, Pierre-François, who was then a young judoka. After joining the board in 2002, André served as treasurer until his passing. His warmth,humor,and compassion left an indelible mark on us all. This gesture deeply moves us, as it celebrates the essence of who he was,” Brun shared, addressing the mayor and the crowd of around thirty attendees gathered at the dojo that morning.
Pierre-François Vittoz, André’s son, who recently rejoined the club after a decade-long hiatus, concluded the speeches by expressing “his profound gratitude and pride.” Together with his siblings, Aude and Alexis, he joined the mayor and club president in unveiling the plaque, which features a portrait of their father.
“He was the backbone of the club,managing everything single-handedly. After retiring from his career as a commercial secretary, he poured his energy into the dojo. His absence has left a significant void,” President Benoît Brun remarked after the ceremony.
André Vittoz’s legacy is now eternally intertwined with the loches judo dojo, a place where he passionately served others and shared his love for the sport.
(1) Anne-Claire, the eldest sibling, was unable to attend due to her residence in the United States.
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