BERNHARD GAUCH: HALF A CENTURY IN THE SERVICE OF OUR WORK

Since he took up his post on 1 March 1975, Bernhard has never ceased to devote himself to the various departments, including secretariat, reception, accounts, personnel management, translator, donor relations, and so on. I’m always impressed when he tells me, in all simplicity, that he’s known four directors, Father Bernardin Wild, Father Bruno Fürer, Nicolas Scherer and myself, and at the same time he confides in me that knowing a 5th director would be too much for him (laughs)!

And I tell him: ‘Yes, it would be a lot, because then you’d realise how old you are (laughs)! Bernhard is truly a humble servant; he has never refused a task and has carried it out with the seriousness, joy and good humour that characterise him. He was a very humble and humane person who had the gift of welcoming all those who, at one time or another, needed an answer to a question, an opinion, some advice, or a sympathetic ear to listen to the suffering of the residents of the Fribourg home (380 people at the start of his involvement).

What a joy it is today to see this young man of 80, who comes mainly with passion, put himself at the service of the various donors to thank them for their gestures of solidarity.

Over the years, Bernhard has forged many friendships with all of you, and I realise this especially when I visit donors, who ask me if Bernhard is still working and in good health. I find that very touching.

For me, Bernhard, you’ve always been there, with a cheerful ‘hello’ and little anecdotes from your memories of our work. If I could describe you – and here I’m taking the liberty of using the ‘you’ so that I can be closer to you – I’d say that you were a discreet, loyal, honest, hard-working, supportive, respectful, kind, non- angry, interested and passionate man, and all this filled with great humility.

I’m sad to see you go, because with you, Bernhard, we’re leaving behind a part of the memory of everyday life in the Fribourg home. But I’m sure of one thing: our paths will cross again, and we’ll be able to share the memories of all those years of service.

Dear Bernhard, enjoy a well-deserved rest, to you, our friend who will always remain engraved in our hearts.

Your friend Marco (your last manager)

and I would like to join all those who have worked

with you over the past half-century.