In 5 days, we enter a new year, which I hope will be under the sign of “Peace.” Our calendars will display “2006,” and resolutions will be made (at least that’s what they say). A year has already passed. I still see myself in January 2005, contemplating the snow that fell on Nice, how time flies, you might say!
Before changing the year, Nice-Première has decided to give you a retrospective of the “strong” moments that marked France in 2005.
To start this “look back,” we will begin by paying tribute to those who left us without warning, quietly leaving us orphaned.
Orphans… That’s certainly what the people of Monaco felt when their good prince went to join his princess in the kingdom of heaven. On April 6, a page of history was turned with the death of Prince Rainier III, after a 56-year reign (1949-2005), at the age of 82.
Four days earlier, it was the Catholic world mourning its religious leader. After more than 26 years of pontificate, Pope John Paul II passed away at 84.
A month later, a legend of French show-business takes his leave. On May 13, Eddie Barclay, producer and king of the white parties in St Tropez, died at 84. The music world mourns. He had discovered Claude Nougaro, Mireille Mathieu, and Dalida.
“The Cabbage Soup,” “Iznogoud,” “The Dinner Game”… These films highlighted the talent of a great clown with a heart of gold. Yet, it was in complete discretion that Jacques Villeret, this unforgettable actor, succumbed to cancer on January 28. He will continue to move us forever.
On February 15, “Emmanuelle” lost its star. Pierre Bachelet, the singer of Les Corons, will no longer sing under the spotlights. He passed away at 60. “Remember.”
Eight days into the year 2005, French television bids farewell to its first announcer. Jacqueline Joubert passed away at 83.
On August 9, Colette Besson, the Olympic champion of the 400 meters at the Mexico Games in 1968, made her final lap. She was 59 years old.
On November 10, the art world lost a universal artist. For nearly half a century, Jean-Michel Folon, painter, watercolorist, sculptor, engraver, has illuminated our world with his colors and generosity. This inspired poet took off from Monaco at the age of 71.
Ten days later, a champion of two wheels perished tragically during the 52nd Grand Prix motorcycle race of Macau. Multiple French Champion, winner of the Bol d’Or, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, of the 24 Hours of Spa Francorchamps, Grand Prix rider in 250 and 500cc, World Endurance Champion in 2002, the Frenchman Bruno Bonhuil lost his life at 45.
The last month of the year 2005, a glory of French song from the 50s and 60s went to join her star. Gloria Lasso died at the age of 83 in Mexico. Of Spanish origin, Gloria Lasso was very popular in France before being dethroned by Dalida.
Whether in the world of sports, television, music, history, or simply our world, these dear beings will forever remain in the memory of those who love them. Certainly, in our article, we have not mentioned all the people who left us in 2005, but our final thought will be for all those who are no longer with us today.
