André Maréchal

In Memory of André Maréchal October 03, 1946 - November 02, 2001

Hi "Pops". If I had the chance to talk to you again "Pops", I wouldn't ask you this time about the standings of the European Soccer Cup, nor the results of the 2002 World Soccer Cup qualifier games for the European countries trying to make it to Japan/Korea, nor would I ask you about the last soccer professional game you saw via satellite dish, whether it was a game in the English Premier League, or the Brazilian "Jogo Bonito" or Argentinean Leagues; nor about the standings or the most expensive purchases of players in the Calcio Italiano, Fútbol Español or the German Bundesliga..

Rather I would ask you about the wonderful times you managed to spend with Melissa, either conducting her soccer practices as her coach, taking her to several 4H projects that you knew she enjoyed very well, making plans for the next exhibition at the County Fairgrounds, driving her to the Solano Predators practices and games; or simply making the time to make Melissa feel important, as she always enjoyed being with her beloved "Pops".

Tell me "Pops", as much as you love the game of soccer, was it always easy to give up your favorite chair where you watched innumerable soccer games, just to be Melissa's chauffer?

Too many times I admired You "Pops" for wanting to be part of Melissa's world, however, only once I let you know that you are a great example to follow. I wish I could have told you several times that You are the best example of the few men that purposely have the dedication to spend time with his children. For me it is a reminder that we must say it and express the good qualities of the people around us when we have the opportunity to say it, and not to wait until it is too late ...

Too many times "Pops" we spent together watching great soccer games, in some occasions we had to take time off from work just to watch what we considered an important soccer game. We could not wait to watch the games after they happened, it had to be a live game in spite of the 12 to 13 hours of time difference. Too many times my phone rang just to hear your voice "Pops" inviting me to join you in celebrating another great soccer game. For you "Pops", to watch a great soccer game was always a celebration !!! 

How easy it is for me to forget that it was the love of the game that allowed our paths to cross!!!. How difficult it is now to accept that you had to go while playing the game you loved the most !!! 

Now that you are gone, your example as an awesome Father will be magnified, you will be remembered as the easy going guy who loved his family, especially his daughter, somebody who made the most of every opportunity to show her that "Pops" will always be there for her. Your spirit will always be around Melissa, You will clap, cheer and rejoice on the sidelines for her knowing that she will do her best to continue Your love for the game. Melissa shares Your passion for the game and she will extend Your passion to those around her !!!

We will never have the chance to comment or review another great soccer game, nor will we ever have the opportunity to cheer for your beloved FRANCE, but your example as a loving Father will always be cherished and will remain in my heart. You will not be part of our world, but your great example will remain. You are a tough act to follow!!!

God bless you André, Rest in Peace !!!

Your friend, Ricardo.

This team has the support of dedicated parents, who willingly are providing the opportunity for these young players to learn and develop competitive soccer skills.

Page designed and maintained by Ricardo M. Serrano
2001 @ El Rincón Musical Peruano