Thame and District Twinning Association

Jean-Francois BEL, 1944-2023

Image credit: 78actu

We are deeply saddened to have heard of the death of our dear friend, Jean-François.

Jean-François was mayor of Montesson from 1995 - 2020 and it is he who worked with our own mayor at the time, Don Butler, to set up our Twinning link in 2001 and we are deeply grateful to them both for having the vision and motivation to found our two Associations.

As well as being the much respected mayor of Montesson, Jean-François was a true gentleman, a real friend of Thame and a great advocate of Franco / British relations. We appreciated his good sense of humour and have many happy memories of his visits, not least his jokes about the "frog" ties that he and Don wore during every visit. Indeed, he and Don forged a strong personal friendship and laid the groundwork for many other friendships between families in our respective towns. These friendships continue in their absence, which is a fitting tribute to them both.

Jean-François will be deeply missed but his memory lives on and we will remember him with gratitude and fondness. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy and an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

All our thoughts are with his wife, Andrée, his children and all his loved ones and we extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Montesson at this very sad time.