A tribute to Jacques FAIVRE

Editorial, published in the ICC France journal in tribute to Jacques FAIVRE

This editorial is undoubtedly the saddest and most painful I have ever had the opportunity to write since I became involved in the world of birds. Jacques FAIVRE has left us, and his passing brings back to mind all the wonderful moments we shared. For Jacques was a giant of ornithology, an internationally recognised judge, a humanist, but above all my friend.

For those who did not have the chance to spend time with him, or simply to meet him, it is thanks to him that today we are able to breed and exhibit protected European species in competitions. Jacques devoted a large part of his life to securing official recognition for ‘native’ birds, whether of ancestral or mutated phenotypes. Those who experienced the World Championships in Reims will recall that, at that time, ancestral phenotypes – presented solely by foreign breeders – were concealed from the public behind a black cloth and off-limits to the public once judging had concluded. Today, thanks to his patience, his selflessness and his skill in negotiating with the authorities, we are able – albeit under supervision – to fully pursue our passion.

As a renowned international expert judge, he was always on hand to explain his decisions, mentor trainee judges, offer advice to both young and experienced judges, and provide guidance to exhibitors. For a long time, he was THE leading authority on judging. Our last judging assignment together was at the World Championship in Tours in 2011. It was a wonderful moment of shared friendship between the master and his former pupil. The photographs illustrating this editorial were taken in Tours.

But Jacques was also an ornithologist, who never hesitated to get out into the field to observe species in their natural habitat, even travelling as far as French Guiana to study the local birdlife deep in the jungle.

Despite the passing years, he remained as passionate as ever, and it was always a joy for me to discuss ornithology with him during our telephone conversations, which were, in the end, far too brief.

He has now joined his friends Louis PAQUOT and Karl FAUCONNIER in the fanciers’ paradise, and is no doubt watching with a heavy heart the negative developments in the regulations we are likely to face in the coming weeks. In memory of Jacques FAIVRE and in the interests of all breeders passionate about this speciality, I dare to hope that the leaders of the various national ornithological federations will have the will to come together, as well as the tenacity and energy needed to defend our hard-won achievements and our rights. There is no doubt that the forthcoming discussions with the authorities will either turn this hope into reality or into disappointment.

Farewell, Jacques; I shall miss you, and I know I am not the only one to mourn your passing.

Jean-Michel EYTORFF

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