Jean Pierre RIBOTTON Obituary

Sending all the love in the world. I only knew JP for six years in the 90´s. I met him and his beautiful family through my boyfriend at the time, Rene Schwaller. I will never forgot his Joie de vie and he affected my knowledge of great music immensely. It was an honour to know Jean Pierre and to be part of his musical passion. Oooh and the twinkle in his eye. Thankyou for everything JP xxx Mitch Watchorn

I share your sorrow, dear Megan, René, Martine and Arnaud. It has been such a joy to reconnect in the last year or so. Visiting Jean-Pierre´s café always brought a lot of fun and peace in my first year in NZ (back in 1984!). It was good to keep in touch when you moved to Lyttelton, to sell you our beloved Renault 12 when we returned to France...We lost touch...briefly reconnecting around visits he made tothe Wildfoods festival when we lived in Hokitika...We lost touch again when we left for Fiji...but we always had a place for each other in our minds I believe...may be due to a shared origin somewhere in the Sologne, beautiful country of our respective ancestors. Thank you for those latest great moments spent together around some delicious food and thank you also forcthe great discussions. Our very last encounter at C4 still seems like a dream. How could he still be so strong and chatty!? I´m glad and grateful we had it. No doubt you will now need to feed out of his bravery and courage and show strength. Kia kaha! Sincere condolences and warm thoughts to you all! Philippe G.

To JP family, he was such a cool guy with a great attitude and part of the older vibrant Lyttelton community growing up. He was so happy talking about his children a few months back when we seen him at Liberty market. Rest is peace.

To Megan and Family. We share in your sorrow for your loss, and for our dear Lyttelton friend. Ernst and I fondly remember J.P. nurturing us through the earthquake with support and shared laughs.
It was Jean Pierre who was there for us during the demolition of our London St building, arriving with food, bubbles and good humour.
A thoughtful soul and a true heart, dear friend J P.
God Bless.

My deepest sympathy to Megan and family. Wonderful memories of Le Cafe and up the mountains skiing with Jean Pierre. He will be sadly missed.
Peter Evans

Deepest condolences to Megan and the whanau. It's hard to put all my heartfelt thoughts into words...will miss you Man! Aroha nui. Chris Heaphy

Dear Megan, Rene, Martine and Arnoud.
Our heartfelt condolences to you all.
JP was a man whose friendship and kindness we have all cherished for many years.
I trust you will rest in peace now my friend.
Love you always JP

Ivan Eliz Sarah and Chris

Always remember him as a great friend in Lyttelton...happy to speak his mind and we welcomed it...passionate and sincere always...xx RIP

Dear Jean-Pierre ...I met you many decades ago and we became friends for life . I have many memories of lively dinners and discussions on the state of things. You had style , great taste in music and food. Always a wonderful host . You loved deeply your family , friends and the earth . You will be sooooo missed . My heart goes out to you Megan for the loss of your best friend and companion and to your children who have lost their beloved father. Sending you all love and strength, Michele

I'd like to express my condolences to Megan and family, such a sad loss for you all. I've such fond memories and Jean-Pierre over the years, he was always so interested in those he met. Big love to all Amanda Heasley (Mandy/the Globe Cafe). Xx

A tout a I´heure JP. To Megan and the family our deepest condolences. He was such a character and the CHC roads will be safe again. Kia hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane. Much love from the Taurua whanau x