James and I are so terribly sad. Fleur was the first person I met at Lycee Victor Duruy in 1984- She took me under her wing, this weird girl who was french but not so french... She had no judgements, only a great curiosity about people and the world. She had an open mind, a curious mind and a big big heart. I spent many happy times in her appartment- Marie and Denis were always so generous and welcoming. I learnt how to make 'gateau au yaourt' - she could whip one up after school whenever I went over.
We listened to Jacques Brel and Elton John, read 'Les hauts de Hurlevent' and watched 'Le Grand Bleu' and talked for hours. It's because of Fleur that I got into gymnastics at school- she won all the competitions! She also smoked most of the boys in swimming comps at school. She was 'la class'!
We kept in touch when I returned to NZ, and with the years caught up for her wedding, for ours. Our paths crossed a few more times after that- all the time with Arnaud, her soulmate, by her side. We saw a little of the start of Nothingreal, and then came Estelle and Lea.
James and I had some wonderful times with Fleur and Arnaud here in NZ at Lake Taupo (how good was that smoked trout?!)- We were hoping to see them all back here someday soon.
The last time we saw you was in 2019 where we had another memorable dinner in your company.
I miss you Fleurette-des-champs, there is so much more I could say...
To Arnaud, Estelle, Lea, Marie, Delphine and the whole family: our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you. What a gift to have crossed paths with Fleur in our lives.
Grosses bises,
Sylvie and James Gould- Wellington, NZ