« Connais-tu bien Don Diègue ? Sais-tu que ce vieillard fut la même vertu, la vaillance et l’honneur de son temps, le sais-tu ? » (Le Cid, acte II scène 2)
To paraphrase Pierre Corneille “Do you know Jacques Gautier? Do you know that this old man embodied the virtue, the valor, and the honor of his time, do you know that?”
We often know very little about individuals we see often, and Jacques was a good example of this reality. Unlike our extroverted friend Jean-Michel, Jacques tends to keep to himself, rarely engaging in conversations with strangers.
But never judge a book by its cover. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jacques Marcel Gautier for quite some time and the man you see today is vastly different from the man I have known.
Jacques has been a steadfast companion in picnics, social gatherings, pétanque matches, and card games. Born on January 4, 1943, in the south of France, he grew up amidst the backdrop immortalized by Alexandre Dumas‘ tales of musketeers and swashbuckling.
Beneath a reserved demeanor, Jacques possesses a kind heart, often displaying affection for creatures large and small. Throughout his life, he owned several dogs and frequently looked after pets belonging to his friends.
“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ~ Immanuel Kant.
Jacques without any doubt possesses a big heart.
Despite the limitations imposed by his nightly employment and his limited exposure to English-speaking environments, Jacques’ innate kindness has always shone through. Beneath his reserved exterior lies a big heart, as evidenced by his fondness for animals.
In his prime, Jacques excelled not only in baking goods but also in various sports. A skilled cyclist and rugby player, he was also known for his pétanque shooting skills.
For years, he lived on a boat in Emeryville, but as age caught up with him, the challenges of that lifestyle became apparent. Despite numerous suggestions to settle on land, Jacques always remained steadfast in his attachment to his floating home.
Unfortunately, his health is now failing him, and he is presently residing in a rehab center in the East Bay. If you feel so inclined, he would appreciate hearing from you.
In short, Jacques Gautier embodies the complexity hidden within every individual. His life story serves as a reminder to look beyond first impressions, and appreciate a person regardless of the projected image.
Alain
Please watch a photo album dedicated to Jacques and let me know if you would like to get in touch with him.