Newfoundland & Labrador Judo Hall Of Fame Mr. Claude Estoppey A native of Vallorbe, Switizerland, he was a restaurateur and master baker. At the age of 12, he used to deliver bread for a couple of bakeries, and within a few years he started studying as an apprentice baker .He spent years learning and perfecting his craft. He was especially proud of the high standards of the baking school he attended in the Swiss capital of Berne. Still a young man, he went on to teach baking in Switzerland. But he soon set out for Canada and eventually made his way to Stephenville. He originally came to the area in 1957 to work on the Harmon Air Force Base for the U.S. Air Force. Mr Estoppey soon fell in love with his new home, he loved its rivers ,its land ,its people, its pace of life. Claude said it was like his home area of Switzerland although it was a little different culture and way of life. He made Domino Pizza House in Stephenville into a local institution and operated it for the past 35 years, up until his untimely passing at the age of 68. But there was far more to Claude Estoppey than his business acumen. He was a loving family man and father to his five children. Young people always appealed to him. He was a "big kid at heart " himself , says Charlie Barry a long-time friend. He enjoyed taking youngsters fishing and getting involved in sport with them. There was a special place in his heart for young people in trouble or need. He was a long time supporter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Bay St. George. In fact ,he became the first "big brother " in Stephenville in December,1985. He was particularly active in supporting local Judo activities, he and his family were active members at the local club. His support went beyond just fund-raising. He provided canteen service for all local events, provided food and drinks for all the officials at every event that the local club has held over the years, and I might say some of the best pastries I have ever experienced.. Claude on many occasions has even opened his home to many of the judo people that has been in this area, teaching or giving clinics. Claude (to his close friends Papa )came to Stephenville as an immigrant who didn't know anybody .His values, gentle manner and dedicated service showed how someone can win his way into the hearts of thousands of strangers and turn them into friends. He was down to earth in every way ...I felt very proud to have been his friend . His life has touched mine and so many others. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends ,the Judo family of Canada, and by me . For his overwhelmingly generous support of judo in the Bay St. George's area and this province over many years, Claude was nominated and unanimously accepted into the Newfoundland Judo Hall of Fame in the builder category in 1997. Submitted by:  Roger Farrell Indian Head Judo Club