September 28, 2004
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Un fier capitaine
A proud captain
English version below the picture
Regardez cet homme sur son bateau sur un lac de l ' Ontario en Juillet dernier .. Il file à pleine vitesse . Ce fier capitaine a 87 ans ( depuis Août dernier ). Et il est toujours jeune et dynamique comme le montre cette photo qui m ' a été envoyée récemment par sa fille .
Il s ' agit de mon camarade Douglas Bible . Je le connus en Septembre 1944 quand il était soldat dans l ' armée canadienne qui libérait la région du nord de la France où je vivais enfant . La batterie de canons était restée environ 2 semaines parce que les Allemands résistaient . J ' avais fraternisé avec lui fièrement . Et mes parents l ' avait invité chez eux pour un bon repas .J ' ai déjà raconté cette histoire .
Cela fait 60 ans , c ' est un anniversaire et je lui rends hommage par ce blog .
Douglas BIBLE on a lake in Ontario Photo Lynn Burnett July 2004 and caption by Michel Fauquet
Look at this man driving his boat on a lake of Ontario last July . He is rushing at full speed . This proud captain is 87 years old ( since last August ) . He always is young and dynamic as you can see on the picture . This last has been recently sent to me by his daughter .
He is my comrade Douglas Bible . I knew him in September 1944 when he was a artilleryman in the Canadian army that liberated the northen France area where I lived as a child .The battery of guns was stayed about 2 weeks in that place because the Germans resisted . I had fraternized proudly with him . And my parents had welcomed him at their home to take a meal . I already related this story .
60 years ago ! It ' s an anniversary and I pay tribute to him with this blog .
Comments (91)
What a wonderful tribute to this fine gentleman that you have known all these years! He does look great in this picture. And this is very close to my home (I live in Ontario). Love the Toronto Blue Jays cap he is wearing! LOL!
Happy 60th anniversary to the both of you! Cheers, Michel!
how wonderful!!
What a beautiful and wonderful tribute to 60 years of having a friendship built from the times of war. A wonderful thing
It's so amazing to have friendships that last so long. I love this picture. He has such joy on his face!
wow, Doug looks so good driving that boat~!
It is so neat that you guys keep in touch after 60 years. what a friendship
~janny
beautiful tribute to your good friend.. he looks like he knows how to enjoy life - being on the water is very much fun!!
Bonjour, Michel!
I updated my site about two days ago, so you can see how my colonoscopy and things went.
I am so happy for you to be celebrating 60 long years of a wonderful friendship! That is such a long amount of time, and longer than most friendships see. I find it fascinating that he lives in Canada and you in France, and you still manage to keep up with one another. Amazing...
I hope that you are having a wonderful week so far, my friend. God bless.
Elle est géniale la légende, Michel! La camaraderie sur le champ de bataille. Il n'est rien de plus précieux (à quelques exceptions près) que l'amitié. Et je te remercie pour la tienne.
Tes blogs m'ont manqué et je suis contente que tu aies reçu ma carte.
Clara
Canadians must thank you very much for remembering their contribution in the liberation of Europe. In a lot of war movies it looks that only Americans are fighting there.
What a great life must have had to be like that at 87, the meal that he got at your place must have contribueted to his health.
Bien à toi,
Carlo
This Captian looks very fit to pilot a boat. He definitely doesn't look his age.
Do you get to visit with him? Has he come to France to see you? That is such a great story. Very cool for you to have such a special friend. Have you gone out on the boat with him when you have visited? Looks like a fun time!
Hope you and Janine are having a wonderful day!!
friendship that lasts a lifetime! Priceless!
in answer to your questions michel..the profile pix isn't me! i'm turning 25yr on sept. 30
I read the very nice story of when you were 11 and living with your parents in Marquise. How sad and tragic that your grand parents and thier children had their house and lives ruined. What a horrible war. I learned of so much terrible suffering also from my parents.
Rosemary
Douglas is a great old friend. I am so very happy that you still know him. This is a wonderful picture.
Thanks you for sharing is beautiful story.
I am happy you are here today!
What a loving tribute for a great friend.
You know Michel I bet if Mr. Bible had a xanga site he’d be doing a blog in your honor! You are such a wonderful man I so admire and think the world of.
Oops! I forgot to tell you thank you so much for my birthday wishes! They were much appreciated!!
Gosh ! he looks so young
That surely is a long friendship but ones made in time of adversity seem to endure. I liked the comment about the contribution the Canadian forces made during the war, they certainly are a " forgotten army " in film makers minds 
Marie
What a wonderful hero!
Magnifique, Michel! J'aime beaucoup la citation sur la photo!
I went back to read the story on your comrade, and I must say that I'm touched! How wonderful for to have made a friend in a soldier that has lasted a lifetime. And he looks very happy driving that boat! I would be proud to have him as my captain. I hope that the two of you can reunite soon.
<3
Tu as visite mon Canada, monsieur??
Merveilleux capitaine Doug !
Bravo et quelle belle amitié entre lui et toi Michel !
Meilleurs voeux pour ce grand anniversaire
It is wonderful that you have kept in touch with him for so long!
VAROOOM!
What a wonderful tribute.
He looks like an extraordinary gentleman.
I remember reading your story on how you met Doug , its wonderfull that you kept in touch , I know you had a great time visiting him the other year . He looks full of life in the photo
What a great hero, and a cute caption as well!!
Congrats on 60 years of fine friendship.
TC Michel my friend!!
A wonderful anniversary! He looks great.
congradulations to him and for you realizing what he did...there is recognition in our memories for great moments...
hi. i was just talking to my friends about how my french is dripping out of me and i want to use it more and learn more. i think it's a good thing for me. i'm excited.
Random props, I love your site. I spent a summer in France and I cannot wait to go back! ~Jaime~
bonjour mes amis!!
je t'aime,
jordyn
I had not read this story before and went back to read all about this man. I very much enjoyed reading it and seeing him this summer flying along in his boat! Apparantly a man who loves life. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Oh Michel, how sweet of your to remember him in the tribute.. Some day I should be so lucky to have a friendship for 60 years!
It was great to see that picture! The logo on his hat is of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Ontario baseball team. It has been a long, long time since the last time I've seen it. The Blue Jays are doing horrible, and so not too many people are willing to still wear the logo. Glad to see your friend is a loyal fan!
The story behind you two meeting sounds very interesting. My grandparents lived during the war too, but they don't like to talk much about it. I'm pretty curious about it - what was it like for you? What kind of things were different in your life during the war than after the war?
I saw that it was Michelmas! A very worth festival! Will you celebrate? Thanks for reposting that link to the original story about your friend - I thought you had posted about him before.
Have a great day!
C'est précieux que vous avec gardé la fraternité pendant tous ces années. C'est incroyable! Un châpeau à vous deux!
Full speed, indeed! What a great life, wonderfully lived. And that goes for both of you! Salud!
a wonderful friend you have in each other and wonderful people you two are to stand up for your beliefs and wlling to protect your loved ones...he looks like he is having the time of his life with that boat...I am honored to meet him through your blog...huggs...Sassy
la photo est amusante
The story is truly remarkable and that you both still can tell it is a wonderful gift.
Love, Brenda
87 years old!---I think this wine and cheese that I like to eat all the time will help me to live a long life.....no stress when it is so enjoyable to eat and drink!
Yes, the interview went well. I have not been hired yet, but it is promising.
I hope to have as much vitality when I reach your friend's age.
I remember your post about this man and what he meant to you and your family. How wonderful to still have this connection after all these years! How wonderful, too, for him to be so young and active at 87!
I honor this man as well, and all who fought for the world's peace. It is such a beautiful thing that you keep in touch with him. ~ Paloma
Many people my age don't know what it's like to live in a war. Maybe that's one reason why wars get started? You said that the people start wars don't know what it's like to live in one. What was the worst part(s) about living during the war?
oui, je n'oublie pas l'histoire. c'est une histoire intéressant.
I read the story about your friend; such an experience. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be an occupied country and hope I never have to learn. My grandmother was Canadian, and I spent all my summers growing up in Ontario.
J'aime le canada and les canadiens. Je veux que je peux ecriver en francais, mais j'avais oublier beaucoup.
Thanks, Michel, for your comment on my site. Yes, we will be very joyful this weekend! For now, the children are feeding the hermit crabs a food that we bought at the pet store, at least until they are used to their new surroundings. The literature tells us that they are fond of many different foods, such as tuna fish, peanut butter, fruit, and hard boiled eggs. We hope to try some of those things soon. Have a wonderful weekend, you know that we will!
He looks to be a very sea-worthy captain!
I remember your story too, and pictures. That's great!
I miss being on Xanga but have been so busy.
Thinking of you and your wonderful story,
Lisa
I love your stories...
c'est magnifique!!!
*hugs* mon amie..=)
I hope I'll become as energetic as he is!
Thanks for stopping by! And yes, ana and mia have to do with dieting. Ana is anorexia and mia is bulimia. Anyways, thanks for commenting, have a great day! ~Jaime~
O, Canada!!! I love that country!!! We Americans are so lucky to have it as a neighbor! And now I love it even more, because such a brave man connected with you as a small child, helping to make you the wonderful neighbor to all humankind that you have become!!! Hugs, Claudia
i salute your pal! wonderful pic and description!
It is good that you are such a loyal friend.
*smile*
How great that you are still in touch with Doug after all these many years. I'm glad he is still well and enjoying life.
I have the highest respect for every soldier who fought to secure libery and freedom during World War II. Two of my cousins were in the Army. My father was involved in the top secret development of new aircraft and did not serve in the military.
this is a wonderful ongoing story, ah, back when America had friends in the world
What a wonderful photo and story, Michel!
It just goes to show how age should never be a deterent against living life to the full, as this lovely man has obviously done all his life. 
A positive attitude is a must to have!
Where does the time go? Your story seems as if only the other day you were 11 years old; yet time has manage to forward ahead to 2004 allowing you to tell your story in such great detail making it seem very existent to my imagination. History is beautiful especially when we get to play a role in it and are able to share the stories with our friends and family. Here; Here! To Douglas and great memories!
Hi Michel. I'm still here. Hope you are well!
You both are wonderful men to keep friendship all this time.
a lovely tribute and enjoyed the story. so glad I found your site because I do enjoy the reading. take care.
Haha... that bubble's funny...
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Wow! You can just see the youth in his eyes and smile. He seems to know how to enjoy life, just like you =)
And a very nice tribute! Hope you are well, Michel.
& {{{hugs}}}
He looks young for his age ,must be the good air and water. i remember the story of that canadian man and always think how lovely you have kept in touch. i haven't had any news of my friend Kay for a while nothing on the computer, I am wondering if perhaps my e.mails are not reaching her daughter ,she dhas 2 sons, who may have wiped them off. I must write to her at her own home and not be lazy, i think she must be O.K as Barbara her daughter would let me know. I get so used to being in contact on here I forget to write to those not on a computer themselves. Cheers Mon Ami ,Marjie
That is so cooooooooooooool. You and your wife make a cute couple. I'll have to go and read the story. That is cool though. You never know where life will take us. Take care.
Unusual Surname "Bible". My great uncle was sailing on his 100th birthday, he died the day after, but with a proud smile on his face.
It is a wonderful thing, this friendship you have with Douglas Bible. It is so good to see that your families treasure this friendship as much as the two of you do.
What a wonderful story!!
My great-aunt lived in Lyon during WWII. She ended up marrying a man she met from the US Air Force, who actually lived in Canada!!
I think it's great that he still has such a "young" outlook on life. My grandfather is 82, in terrible shape, and sadly, tired of living.
Thank you for sharing the story.
Now I remember the reunion with your comrade! How silly of me to forget when I even commented on that entry
Thank you, however, for refreshing my memory. It was a joy to read the story again!
<3
C'est un hommage merveilleux à Douglas Bible. J'espère d'avoir son esprit d'aventure à son âge.
Merci pour les bons souhaits
J'ai toujours le travail, mais il y a du progrès, donc je suis content. Et la grippe, j'ai toujours un rhume et je ne peux pas goûter ma nourriture. Ça, c'est plus sérieux! Le bon cuisine est gaspillé sur moi!
I always get sidetracked by the fact you type in english and french
you are beautiful...like my grandfather was...look very similar to him...i bet you do not talk much either...he gave me rocks and of all our family taught me to appreciate the earths bounty and beauty...i have a book of his...when thing get overwhelming I smell him in the pages...it is his BIBLE...very worn...very precious...he taught me higher law too...many parents do not know it themselves...how can it be passed on .yet through love...blessings kind faced one,beckon call
So wonderful of you to pay him this tribute and that you are still so close with the family. You can tell he is Canadian by the hat!
Answer to The_Angel_Lady : I specify it ' s not me on the picture driving the boat but a Canadian friend . It seems there have had some confusion
He DOES wear his age well, doesn't he?
I hope to do so well when I am 87!
Love and hugs,
Deb
I recall you writing about this man before. It's a very touching story & I am glad that you two reconnected.
What a vigorous man to still be so adventurous!
Hey Michel
you're getting adventurous with your computer graphics skills
We protested in New York City against George Bush as president. The elections are in November. Hopefully he will not win again.
I'm getting politically charged
Yes, I remembered the story too. It's amazing to know someone who has actually lived through WW2. There're not many people around me who has.
I just happen to be thinking of you right now, so I thought I would stop by and give a quick hello!
You're a fine man, Michel. A very fine man..I am privileged to know you.
Have a wonderful week. God bless.
I also remember your story on Doug! I think it is wonderful that he is 87 years old and still doing the things he enjoys. You know they say you are as young as you feel and (act, for me). Just wonderful. You honor him and your freindship greatly! I wish I felt as young as I AM. lol But these days I feel about 87 years old. lol and life does go on. lol Have a great day and a wonderful tomorrow ! ! ! Much love and many hugs ! ! ! You an Janine sleep with the angels and wake up feeling fully refreshed and ready for a new day ! ! ! ! Take care of you ! ! !
We did not visit the ile aux moines. Next time will have to do. We were very lazy,actually and it was very warm.
What a darlin' you are.
Beautiful story of friendship. And a GREAT photo.
...I remember when you first wrote of Doug and when he visited you and Janine. Also, the photo his daughter sent of him paying you tribute.
...good to see Doug is still Captain of his ship...of good health and spirit.
Merci pour tes commentaires continus, Michel. Chris n'est pas venu avec nous, il a juste fait un saut à New York pour faire la connaissance de Clem et de Brice qu'il ne connaissait qu'au téléphone et par blog interposé. C'est pour cela que fatcatdad s'est moqué de lui dans les *Chris news of the day* qu'il a fait. Et c'est pour cela qu'il ne m'a pas manqué du tout.
Passe une bonne semaine.
Clara
You have led a full life. I read the original story.
Your friend looks happy!
The little boy ate fruit and tomatoes and bread,they have spacial bread that keeps ,like biscuit, the sherperds used it.
No birds for food even if some of them taste good.
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