Pierre Spoerri 25.1.1926- 22.2.2017
Summary of the recognition ceremony in Zurich
Maya Fiaux, Préverenges A crowd, many of whom had come from afar, filled the large French church, the "Eglise Protestante Internationale" in Zurich, on March 9 to bid farewell to Pierre Spoerri. In a way, this church offered a setting well suited to Pierre Spoerri's diverse personality; for Pierre and Fulvia were active for a long time in this church where they felt at home. We heard four speeches interspersed with English music and song.
First, Monika Weber described in a very warm and moving way Pierre's close relationship with a small circle of relatives.
Secondly, Marianne Spreng gave numerous examples of how Peter helped shape the themes and concerns of the Caux conferences over the years, and how he related these themes to the changes needed in the world, while at the same time caring for people from different backgrounds on an individual basis.
Dick Ruffin had traveled from the United States. He emphasized the importance of Peter's frequent visits to this great country, especially when America was going through difficult times and Peter's goal was to reach decision makers.
Finally, Pastor Andreas Schaefer completed the portrait. He was the one who took care of Pierre and Fulvia in the retirement home where they had been living for a year and a half. He emphasized the "vast horizon" of the couple and said that the contact with them had so piqued his curiosity that he went up to Caux last year!
Doglas J. Browner's parting words and a joyful piece of organ music by J.S. Bach concluded the dignified ceremony.
Then came the time for me to say goodbye. Pierre accompanied me, despite great fatigue, to the door of the house and gave me a warm embrace. The next day, I learned that this was his last goodbye. He died in the cab that was taking him to a medical examination. Thank you, Pierre, for this faithful friendship, also for my parents! What I owe to Pierre
Andrew Stallybrass, Caux In losing Pierre, Eliane and I have lost a dear friend. Things were not always easy between us. At one time, we experienced wounds and divisions. But it gave me one of the most profound spiritual experiences of my life. I realized that I really didn't like the person I had become and that my resentment was my problem, not Peter's. And I began to pray, holding my wound in my open hands, giving up holding on to it and praying to God to deliver me from it. And He did. We renewed our friendship.
He had been very attentive and sensitive when I had returned from two years in Rhodesia and South Africa and had seen Eliane for the first time after the breakup of our engagement. In the midst of a very busy conference, he had found time to spend each day with me. I remember that and honor him for it. I published two of his books. We were invited to birthdays and celebrations. We visited Pierre and Fulvia, just recently. We parted as friends. And I owe him one of the most important spiritual lessons of my life to this day.
Two unforgettable memories of Pierre Monika Bodmer-Flütsch, Bülach About 50 years ago, I was invited by Theo, Hélène, Pierre and Fulvia Spoerri to go on a "study trip" to Assisi. It was beautiful, exciting and rich in learning. I never found out how I had "earned" it - it was a gift. A few weeks ago now, on February 21, I visited Fulvia and, for once, Peter was present and not busy with other things. We exchanged news of common friends and suddenly Pierre said to me: "I think back with great gratitude to the time we spent together in Assisi".
Alick Sytor, Belgium Pierre personified both the natural authority and the quiet strength of those who are on mission and have a vision of it. These traits were not only forged by deep Christian convictions but also carried by that "inner guidance" that allows inspiration to be combined with action. In my impatience as a young man who wanted to live everything, he encouraged me, with benevolence and lucidity, to be both a modest watchman and a witness of the world in which we lived in order to better become a passer-by, while inviting me to become aware of the demands and implications of such a choice.
His unchanging and broad smile welcomed you and accompanied the sound of his voice, recognizable among all, this tone at the same time playful, serious and calm which, coupled with his high stature, never left you indifferent and translated the confidence that he granted you. His presence solicited you from the start, certainly with kindness and empathy, but always to get to the point. The look was penetrating and never let go of you, but it was to better listen to you and understand you.
End of August 1974: I had lived an exhausting summer in Caux, after the end of my last academic year and I was at a crossroads in my life. With Pierre and my father Charles Sytor, we had a long moment of silence. It was at this point that Pierre was instrumental in choosing two aspects of my life that were both decisive and fulfilling. First, a long professional life abroad, which was fulfilling, exciting and rich, allowing me to discover the fascinating world of business in Europe and the United States. Secondly, that of a military service which he encouraged me to do and which I carried out in an elite unit which enabled me to be based in Germany for 12 months. In a long letter he wrote me shortly after my return to Belgium, he wished me all the best and told me that the Lord would be by my side and that he himself would carry me in his thoughts and prayers all along my future path. Goodbye dear Pierre and thank you once again. Pierre Spoerri
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