the essential
A figure in the Auscitain landscape, known to all, Jean-Pierre Bertacco left us at the age of 64. A biker at heart and a former horticulturist, the man nicknamed “Bebert” will set off for his final resting place this Thursday, June 27, escorted by his biker friends.
“Bebert”, “JP”, “the gladiator”: these are the nicknames given to him by his family, his friends and his traveling companions. Jean-Pierre Bertacco, an Auscitain figure in horticulture and the world of motorcycles in the Gers, passed away last weekend at the age of 64, taken away by illness. A huge loss for all who knew him. “Jean-Pierre, we can only say good things about him,” says his long-time friend, Jean-Louis Chanfreau.
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A horticulturist and market gardener by profession, he handed over the reins, in 2022, of the Roseraie du Malartic. A family-run business for almost two centuries. After 42 years spent in the greenhouses, Jean-Pierre Bertacco, described as a “protective” family man, decided to pass the torch for a well-deserved retirement. But “Bebert” also cultivated another garden… his passion for motorcycles.
“Everyone knew him, he was an atypical character, he was outspoken, but beyond that, he had great sensitivity.”
A biker at heart, it was not uncommon to see him riding a Harley. Moreover, in 2009, he created the collective of independent bikers from Gers and Occitanie, “Les Bielles d’Auch”. An association “to bring together people who share our philosophy of motorcycling”, he said. Certainly, any two-wheel enthusiast can find what they are looking for there.
“He is a person to whom we become attached, he had his hand on his heart,” insists Jean-Louis Chanfreau, president of Bielles d’Auch. He willingly transmitted his passion to his members, promoting two-wheelers and describing a true “instrument of freedom”.
“That’s what he wanted.”
The funeral of Jean-Pierre Bertacco will be held this Thursday, June 27 in Auch. “His wish was that on his last journey, the bikers would accompany him,” says Jean-Louis Chanfreau. A procession will therefore be organized at the beginning of the afternoon. The bikers will meet at 2 p.m. in front of the Gers funeral home, rue du Repos in Auch.
A convoy is then planned at 2:30 p.m. towards Sainte-Marie Cathedral. Several roads will be blocked for the occasion in the upper town. An avenue of honor will welcome Jean-Pierre Bertacco before the ceremony and a new procession of bikers who will accompany him to his final resting place. “That’s what he wanted.”
To his family, friends and all those close to him, the editorial staff of La Dépêche du Midi sends its sincere condolences.
