It was thanks to his mother that Michel Patthey discovered his interest in electricity. When he was a teenager, she one day gave him an extension cord to repair. This successful task causes a spark. “From that day on, I patched up everything, from the lamps to the sockets,” he recalls. His favorite hobby outside of DIY? His electric train, obviously.
Beginnings in Industrial Services
After three years of apprenticeship as an electrical fitter with Henri Wenger in Nyon, then a first job with Kappeler in Crassier, Michel joined Industrial Services in 1984, on the advice of his friend Roger Vullioud. He then joined the controls unit headed by Guy Mermod, with whom he shared 25 years of collaboration and a lasting friendship.
At only 23 years old, newly married, he enthusiastically launched into what would become much more than a job: a career serving his fellow citizens.
At the time, Industrial Services was located at number 10 Place du Château. They employed 30 to 40 people, under the direction of Jacques Pittet. Michel Hans was Syndic and Michel Maye Municipal in charge of Industrial Services.
From typewriters to smart meters
When he started, Michel filled out subscription forms on a typewriter. Then, in the 1990s, he became familiar with computers, sharing with two colleagues an IBM computer with a cathode ray screen, heavy and imposing, where the data was still recorded on floppy disks. Always ready to evolve, he follows technological progress with interest, up to the current installation of smart meters. At the same time, he contributes to the success of numerous events in Nyon – Rive Jazzy, the Christmas market or the children’s party – by installing temporary electrical systems.
Man of the field and sharing
For 35 years, Michel took turns providing on-call service, intervening at any time of the day or night, weekdays, weekends and public holidays, to restore electricity to homes immersed in the black. “It wasn’t always easy for family life, but wearing a pager, a real revolution at the time, gave me a feeling of responsibility and recognition,” he confides.
With this long experience, he knows better than anyone what qualities are necessary to last in the profession: meticulousness, rigor and openness to change. His advice to younger generations? “Be curious, ask questions and learn from the experiences of your colleagues. Communication is essential. »
In 40 years of service, Michel Patthey will have worked with four Syndics and eight Municipalities. Today, the Industrial Services staff has more than doubled, but the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity within the team remains intact.
“I have always been proud to work for Nyon. This is my city, I couldn’t live anywhere else. I need the lake and the mountains,” he emphasizes with emotion.
Political commitment
Very attached to Nyon, Michel was also a municipal councilor under the colors of the Socialist Party between 1993 and 2001. His involvement in emblematic projects, such as the transformation of the Usine à Gaz into a performance and concert hall, remain vivid memories .
Active retirement
Father of two children and happy grandfather of four grandchildren, Michel has already mapped out the outlines of his retirement: spending even more time with family and devoting himself to a new passion, cold water swimming. Encouraged by his wife, last winter he launched into the lake at 5 degrees, joining the “Witches of Lake Geneva”. Seeing him so fit and not looking his age, we can easily see the benefits of this activity on his health.
As he begins a new chapter in his life, Michel leaves behind the mark of a deeply human man, committed and faithful to the values of public service.
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