Renée Richard, daughter of the famous Mother Richard who bore the same name, died on Sunday January 19, at the age of 74. Many personalities have paid tribute to the famous cheese maker from Halles Bocuse, in Lyon.
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Les Halles Bocuse, in Lyon, is losing an emblematic figure. Renée Richard, the famous cheesemaker, died at the age of 74 following a cardiac arrest after a long illness, ten years after her mother who bore the same name. Upon the announcement of his death, “owas stunned. We have difficulty accepting it, we are a little in shock“, declares Pierre-Guy Cellerier, manager of Maison Cellerier and caterer at Les Halles, visibly moved. “He was a great role model for us. She had immense empathy and brotherhood.“, he continues, emphasizing with emotion the “40 years of friendship” which linked them.
The world of gastronomy found itself in mourning after the announcement of the death of this “true cheese artist“, is moved by Christian Têtedoie. The Meilleur Ouvrier de France 1996 pays tribute to “his know-how, his passion and his humility : she knew how to elevate the art of cheese to heights of excellence, elegantly embodying the art of the Lyon terroir. […] His memory will live on in every bite of his creations, which have so enriched our culinary heritage.“, adds the Michelin-starred chef.
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A “essential ambassador“, reacts Grégory Doucet, mayor (Les Écologists) of Lyon, who expressed his “strong emotion“. Behind this famous name and these exceptional cheeses, a tireless worker, appreciated by all“, he writes, emphasizing “his smile, his affability and his charm.“
“She loved her work, she spoke about it with so much passion and fervor! As soon as she talked about her job, her eyes sparkled with happiness.“, recalls Claude Polidori, president of Les Halles Paul Bocuse. However, initially, Renée Richard was destined for a career as a notary clerk. “She went to help her mother for a week… and it ended up lasting 50 years. She loved her job and contact with people so much, she never regretted her choice. Never“, remembers Jean-Paul Lacombe. A passion for her work and an enthusiasm that followed her even after the sale of the “La Mère Richard” brand in 2003.
Jean-Paul Lacombe, Lyon restaurateur, reacted “very badly” to the announcement of the death of Renée Richard, daughter
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The famous Lyon restaurateur was very close to the cheese maker, with whom he was only a year apart: “We saw each other often, through professional outings and through friendships. […] For me, it’s a page that turns“, he admits sadly, referring to “a lot of sorrow“upon the announcement of the death.”He was an extraordinary person who will be greatly missed..”
“You won’t find a single person among its customers or restaurateurs who says anything bad about it. She always had a smile, a kind word“, he adds. Chef Christophe Marguin agrees: “I wish everyone to have the opportunity to meet such beautiful people in their lives and share the best, the kindness, the joy and the conviction of a job well done and always smiling“. And to conclude: “Thank you Renee.“
On the internet, tributes from anonymous people are also multiplying after this “sad news“of the death of”one of the pillars of the Halles“, underlines an Internet user. “I remember sometimes going to her store in Les Halles to buy just a liter of raw milk, but Renée Richard remained smiling and pleasant, as if I had bought her an entire cheese platter. A great trader“, Hervé is moved. Béatrice remembers a woman”always available and welcoming, we will miss her smile and her personality.“
