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Yves Leon Auriol, 87, passed away on January 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Beloved husband of Georgette, father of Stephane (Jocelyn) Auriol, and proud grandfather of Olivia, Grayson, and Cole. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.
Yves was born in Toulouse, France in 1937 where he played professional rugby and earned his maitre d'escrime at the Institut National du Sport in Paris before immigrating to the United States in the early '70s. There, with his oldest brother Leon, Yves founded Salle Auriol Portland and grew his and the Pacific Northwest's reputation for elite fencing. Yves was named coach to the United States Olympic fencing team four times, from 1980 - 1992, bringing Stephane to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics but refusing to walk in the opening ceremonies because "I've already done that."
In 1985, Yves and Georgette moved to Indiana so Yves could be the head coach of Notre Dame women's fencing program and eventually take on the role for the men's program as well. Over his 17-year tenure, Yves not only transformed the Notre Dame fencing program but also trained, inspired and mentored countless athletes and national champions. Upon retirement, Yves and Georgette moved to Las Vegas, where he continued to coach until his knees finally convinced him to become a pétanque player.
His lessons were legendary for his use of both the right and left hands. Those he coached knew they were in trouble when he made that final switch to his left hand and said "lunge, lunge, and lunge again", with promises of "just one more" over and over again. A humble man who appreciated simplicity, he leaves behind a legacy of achievement and awards, as well as a large fencing family.
Yves loved to play tennis, making many great friends on the court. While Yves may have been initially invited due to his tennis game, he'd become known for bringing his own cutting board, baguette, cheese and wine for the tennis crew, making him the most popular doubles partner.
As tough as he was in the gym, he became a big softie when it came to being “Grandpa” to Olivia (17), Grayson (15), and Cole (12). While not always outwardly affectionate, there was never any doubt about the immeasurable love and pride Grandpa felt for his grandchildren. Whenever they went to visit Las Vegas, they knew they were in for a good time. Yves loved to get the pool ready for the grandkids, including once fitting a 5-foot inflatable float into his Mini Cooper. A young Olivia would always go into the kitchen and peek under the cheese tent to see all of Grandpa's "stinky cheeses" and then run away when Grandpa offered her some. And when Grandpa came to Chicago, they knew they’d wake up every morning to fresh baguettes and orange juice, no matter the weather, and have an extra cheerleader at their sporting events. Grandpa especially loved to listen to the boys practice violin, with Grayson even learning Grandpa’s favorite song, Meditation, to play to him. During his last months in the hospital, Stephane played recordings for Grandpa to hear, bringing a smile to his face.
Yves lived a full life filled with laughter and always on his own terms. He was a loving, loyal, and generous husband, father, grandpa, coach, mentor, and friend. He will be greatly missed -- now, Coach, give us one more lunge!
Memorial services will be held on February 8, 2024 at Kraft-Sussman Funeral Home (3975 S Durango Dr, Las Vegas, Nevada).
Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the memorial service following at 2:00 p.m.
Yves was a man of few words but showed his love through action. He spent the last few years taking care of Georgette, who is living with progressive Alzheimer's Disease. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (tribute page: Yves Auriol).
https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=936757&fr_id=1060&pg=fund
We are collecting stories, pictures, and anecdotes about Yves to compile for Georgette and the grandchildren. Please help by sending your memories to [email protected]
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