Raymond Cambarrat (1951 - 2013)

The news of the accidental death of Raymond Cambarrat while out in the mountains on 23 October left his colleagues and friends in a state of immense grief and deep sadness.

Raymond, throughout your career at CERN you watched over our safety, first through your work in the Fire Brigade, then in the field of fire prevention and finally in general safety. Everyone who worked alongside you really appreciated your unfailing smile and the fact that your door was always open.

You were strong, warm, attentive and devoted to others, extremely kind, friendly and affectionate: a good man and a true gentleman.

A great sportsman, you loved to share your passion for sport and its values. As a trainer, you helped thousands of children to discover and fall in love with rugby. You were always curious and looking for the next challenge, such as your incredible and fascinating bike ride from Paris to Beijing.

When you retired, you returned to the area where you were born, your mountains, just as you had always dreamed. And it was in the beautiful Pyrenees that you were taken from us. We would like to think that you’re now watching over walkers who lose their way in those same mountains.

Raymond, we want your loved ones to know how privileged we feel to have shared so many happy moments with you. Your sudden departure has left an immense void in our hearts. We will miss you terribly.

We, your colleagues and friends, share the sadness of your loved ones and join your family and friends in their mourning, with a special place in our thoughts for your wife, Cora, and your children, Grégory and Marion.

Your friends and colleagues at CERN