Goodbye, Nicolas
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Franco Cologni
President of the FHH Cultural Council
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He succumbed at his desk. How could it be otherwise.
Among my most treasured and most vivid memories of Nicolas G. Hayek, who passed away on June 28th, are our weekend conversations. On Saturday and Sunday, during the holidays too, he would call me, not just to make his always astute observations but to share information and anecdotes too.
Not gossip, just a very personal, very human exchanging of ideas.
Some, seeking to criticise, accused him of being a paternalistic boss. In truth, Nicolas was a visionary entrepreneur and a true father for his staff.
Sic transit gloria mundi goes the Latin phrase. Personally, I hope that his rightful renown will live on.
Three of his qualities spring to mind: he was loyal, respectful (even towards those who, like myself, didn’t agree on all points) and a genuinely pleasant man.
Even if he did perhaps sin, I don’t think he will go to hell because if he does, that’s where I’m heading too. I rather believe that after a short stay in purgatory, he will join the righteous in heaven. But with one difference: the three watches he always wore, a Swatch, an Omega and a Breguet. I’m sure he’ll have them on his wrist. And I’m also sure he won’t give them to God. He’ll lend them to Him.
Goodbye, Nicolas.
