Saturday memorial honors late Edmonds community leader Chris Guitton
Posted: July 12, 2014 1315
A crowd of almost 50 friends and family listen to Dick Van Hollebeke, member of the Edmonds Petanque club and longtime friend of Chris Guitton.Michelle Martin, president of the Edmonds Petanque Club, reminisces on her association with Chris and how they worked together to found the club. “One of my joys in working with Chris was the opportunity to speak French,” she said. “He was such a wonderful person; I miss him in so many ways.” (Photos by Larry Vogel)The permanent plaque along with the Chris Guitton trophy, inaugurated this year in Chris’s honor, will be presented annually to the winner of the yearly Petanque tournament. Traditionally held on Bastille Day, the event draws teams from throughout the Pacific Northwest. This year’s tournament will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 13, at the Edmonds Civic Stadium Petanque courts.
The Edmonds Petanque Club and the Edmonds Chamber were joined by family and friends of the late Chris Guitton to dedicate a permanent memorial honoring his life and many contributions to the Edmonds community.
Born in Paris, Guitton never lost his love of the culture, people and language of France. But while his roots were in France, his heart was in Edmonds, as his many activities in and contributions to the community attest.
After his untimely death from cancer this past May, My Edmonds News ran an obituary detailing his life and activities. Read it here.
The memorial is located at the southwest corner of the Edmonds Civic Stadium adjacent to the Petanque courts.
Judy Guitton, Chris’s wife of 34 years, spoke briefly at the dedication. “This is lovely spot, and a lovely way to remember Chris,” she said. “He loved the sport of Petanque, and I’m sure he’ll be watching as you play.”Chris Guitton’s grandson Dominic LaFranco with his dad, John LaFranco, husband of Guitton’s daughter Lisa.
I enjoyed your article and wonderful pictures. Thank you for covering this event.
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I enjoyed your article and wonderful pictures. Thank you for covering this event.
This is a wonderful honor.