Black notebook: Laurent Pérès, sports figure in Gimont, has passed away; his funeral is this Tuesday

Grand servant of the sports association world and Gimont rugby, native of Escornebœuf, Laurent Pérès passed away at the age of 79.

The news broke last week and quickly spread throughout Gimont, its canton, and Escornebœuf. Laurent Pérès was on the cusp of turning 80. Born in November 1946 in the village he loved so much, in the family home.

After his studies, he pursued a career as a warehouse worker. Following his high school diploma from Lectoure High School, he initially worked at Pujos in Gimont, then in Saint-Jory, at the Barrère establishments. He also visited the Briggs and Stratton factories in the United States. Among other things, he also served as a taxi driver for his Gimont colleagues at the time (Dubosc, Mothe, and Arsuffi).

In 1981, Laurent Pérès met Huguette on a rugby field. He welcomed Nathalie with open arms; then, in 1986, Magalie joined the family.

Laurent Pérès was known in the canton for his unwavering commitment to associative sports: he was a feared pointer in pétanque, twice president of the ESG rugby section, and then treasurer of ESG basketball under Didier Ageorges’ presidency. Together, they structured the club to reach National 2.

His heart was oval

But his passion was primarily rugby. His heart was oval, his blood red and white. He also supported Stade Toulousain and XV de France. He alternated between player and president at the club, referee and federal delegate. He was also a press correspondent for “La Dépêche du Midi.”

Always ready to help, Laurent Pérès also had a strong character. Under his presidency, he even put on the jersey to complete the team on the Castelnau-Magnoac field.

Until his last breath, he was there to support his children, son-in-law, and especially his grandchildren, whether on a rugby field for Jean-Luc or Thomas, a basketball court for Magalie and Marlène, or a mountain bike trail for Diego and Elisa. His funeral will be held this Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the church of Escornebœuf.

“La Dépêche du Midi” extends its sincere condolences to his wife Huguette, his daughter Magalie, his daughter-in-law Nathalie, his brother Dédé, all his loved ones, and his family.