Tributes paid to the "father of the Island Games"

Friday 06 January 2023

Lifelong Honorary Member of the Island Games Association, former States Member, and insurance company manager and financial advisor, Owen Le Vallee has died, aged 95.

Described by the International Island Games Association as the man who "brought action to our Games", Mr Le Vallee had been involved with the bi-annual event since the inaugural games in 1985.

Jorgen Pettersson, President of the International Island Games Association (IIGA) told Express that Mr Le Vallee "took his duties seriously but never forgot to see the actual people and competitors that made his vision come true".

The local organisation, the Guernsey Island Games Association (GIGA), said similarly that Mr Le Vallee "was a man with drive, inspiration and a love of sport".

We are all deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our dear Owen Le Vallee MBE. Owen was a stalwart of the International Island Games. He will be sorely missed but we know he will be with us in spirit in July. We’ll do it for you, Owen. pic.twitter.com/M84iHq2REi

— Guernsey2023 (@Guernsey_2023) January 4, 2023

Brian Allen, Chairman of GIGA said "our thoughts are obviously with his family" - referring to his sons Terry and Martyn, his daughters-in-law Jane and Louise, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"Owen is the Father of the Island Games," said Mr Allen.

"After the initial Games in Isle of Man in 1985 it was Owen who said it would be a great idea to hold the Games every two years and invited everyone to Guernsey in 1987.

"He had no financial support or permission from the States, he just did it. But in the intervening two years he got the backing, he secured the permission and the Island Games as we’ve come to know it was born.

"He was a man with drive, inspiration and a love of sport. He was the manager of Team Guernsey for 30 years covering Island and Commonwealth Games. His legacy is the idea of giving back to sport, your time and support for the future youth of the island. He’s a man who will be so missed."

Visit https://t.co/rowYP014YY for details about registering for the Guernsey 2023 NatWest International Island Games before Friday 30 September. If you have already registered, check your emails to book a slot at our Volunteer Registration Day on Sunday 2 October. pic.twitter.com/wYjpcbN4Yi

— Guernsey2023 (@Guernsey_2023) September 27, 2022

Mr Le Vallee's passion for, and commitment to the Island Games both locally and globally was recognised by Mr Pettersson who said his decision to volunteer Guernsey to host the second Games in '87, "defined (him), he preferred action instead of talk".

Mr Pettersson said: "his memory will stay forever with all of the members of the International Island Games Association (IIGA)".

"My personal memories of Owen Le Vallee are many," he said, "and although he left the daily operations of the growing IIGA he never stopped being involved in the work of the Executive Committee. Owen followed us on a regular basis and continued being a 'caring uncle' of the Games he loved so dearly. By phone, messages and emails he encouraged, questioned and coached us all and it was a great honor to welcome Owen to the Annual General Meeting in Guernsey last summer.

Rest in peace dearest Owen Le Vallee, one of them who more than most made reality of the vision. Owen raised his hand 1985 and the Island Games could continue. https://t.co/pc6vBZdVSf pic.twitter.com/9oVuH0Vi0Q

— International Island Games Association (IIGA) (@IslandGamesAsso) January 6, 2023

"Owen was a man of determination but also a man of faith and love, always up for a discussion and advice; never missed an opportunity to have a friendly chat and a common laugh. Owen took his duties seriously but never forgot to see the actual people and competitors that made his vision come true.

"It is heartbreaking to realize Owen Le Vallee will not be part of the NatWest International Island Games in Guernsey the summer of 2023 but rest assured, from his place in heaven he will be following every step we take and, I am sure, he will smile and wish all of us good luck and a safe journey home.

"At the end of the day we are defined by the memories we leave behind us and the legacy of Owen is an international family in sport that will cherish his heritage eternally.

"Without enthusiasts like Owen Le Vallee the IIGA would not exist. Our memories go to all the fantastic moments of joy we have shared. Our condolences go to the family and friends of a great character who made a difference for many others, all over the world, far from his beloved Guernsey."

We’re delighted to welcome Gozo to the Island Games family following a unanimous vote at the IIGA AGM today. We look forward to hosting your athletes at their first ever games next summer! https://t.co/CRgfeQW4qw pic.twitter.com/THHblKqxC8

— GIGA (@guernseyiga) July 9, 2022

In his younger days, Mr Le Vallee had been a keen all round sportsman known to compete in Athletics, Football, Badminton, Cricket and Roller Hockey. He represented his home island prior to the Island Games being launched.

Following his own competitive career he turned to volunteering as a sports administrator which kept him busy for more than 50 years.

That work included being a founder Member and Secretary of the Guernsey Sports Federation 1953-1959 and the first Secretary of the Guernsey Sports Council from 1966-1971. He also served as Treasurer and President of the Council. In 1968 he was a founder Member of the Guernsey Commonwealth Games Association and served as its Secretary and Chairman for over 30 years.

He attended eight Commonwealth Games, six as General Team Manager for the Guernsey Team and then as Chef de Mission for the Games in Victoria, Canada in 1994 and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998.

RIP to a Guernsey son and former politician Owen Le Vallee.

— Steve Falla (@steve_falla) January 4, 2023

In 1982 he was elected to the Sports Programme Committee of the Commonwealth Games Federation and served on its International Executive Committee for 10 years.

For his service to sport in Guernsey, he was honoured by his appointment as a Life Vice President of the Guernsey Commonwealth Games Association, Life Member of the Guernsey Athletics Club and the Sarnia Walking Club.

By profession Mr Le Vallee was an insurance company manager and financial adviser and was also elected to the States in 1985. He served as a deputy for nine years, during which time he was Vice President of the Guernsey Recreation Committee.