An emotional farewell: custodian Philippe Gex bows out

Some men seek neither limelight nor honours, but their mere presence leaves an indelible mark. They are the architects working in the shadows, the everyday altruists who do not sculpt their own legend but shape that of others. Philippe Gex is one of those people. With vision, strength and humanity, Philippe Gex embodied La Maison de Terre des hommes Valais for over twenty years, offering much more than leadership.

His departure marks not just a simple administrative transition, but rather the culmination of a period of total, sincere and tireless commitment that will continue to inspire each and every one of us. He leaves behind strong foundations, saved lives, consolidated bonds and above all an institution ready to embrace the future. Behind every brick laid, every restored child’s smile, there is the same humble and tireless man. Year after year, he has built much more than a place of welcome, he has built a family.

Twenty years of fighting for children

There are places that echo with the stories of those who have inhabited them. At La Maison, every corridor, every room, every burst of laughter from a child, whispers the name of Philippe Gex. Since his arrival in 2001, he has put his whole being at the service of the most vulnerable, not out of duty, but out of instinct.

“What has carried me through all these years is the very mission of La Maison. It is the values that have driven me, this deep conviction that what we do here has a profound meaning. Every morning, I woke up knowing that we had an essential role to play in the lives of these children. We cannot turn a blind eye. Each child welcomed here has a unique story and huge expectations. We are not changing the world, but for them, we may be their only hope.”

Throughout the seasons, Philippe has witnessed thousands of children come and go. He has shaken tiny, trembling hands, listened to whispered secrets, shared in moments of victory, and sometimes wiped tears of resignation. He has learned that when it comes to childhood, no battle is too small.

A profound and lasting transformation

The years have passed, and under Philippe’s direction, La Maison has changed. It has modernised, expanded and professionalised, evolving without ever losing its essence. Not content to be merely its custodian, he became its architect, laying down, brick by brick, the solid foundations that, today, allow the institution to look to the future with serenity.

“I have always refused to take half measures. I never wanted to be found wanting, especially when children were relying on us. Administrative convenience or ease was never an option. I did what I had to do, knowing that nothing can ever be taken for granted, that every decision could have an impact on a child, on a family. But, above all, nothing would have been possible without all the volunteers and donors, to whom I extend my deepest gratitude. Each and every one of them, in their own way, contributed to this mission. La Maison is based on universal trust, a collective momentum where every gesture, every commitment, has made it possible to offer these children a future.”

Passing the baton and an indelible legacy

The time has come for Philippe to pass on the torch. He addresses this message, born of experience and wisdom, to his successor Grégory Rausis: “Alone, we can do nothing. Interdependence and trust are the pillars of La Maison. You must observe, listen, and know where to put your energy. Not everything can be controlled, but the essential must always remain at the core.”

As for his colleagues, those who have accompanied him throughout this human adventure, he expresses his infinite gratitude: “Nothing would have been possible without you. I was the conductor, but you were the ones who played the score. To the partners who supported us, to the teams who made La Maison a place to live, and above all to the children… Thank you. You are the reason I strived forward every day.”

A final, vibrant tribute

On the 28th of February, La Maison stopped for a moment. The laughter of children rang out louder than ever, words of farewell were spoken, and memories were shared. On that day, it was not just a matter of turning a page, but of celebrating a story. Faces were marked by emotion, sincere embraces were given, and thanks were bestowed with composure but bearing infinite gratitude.

This is because Philippe Gex is not just leaving a job, he is leaving behind a family. A family of beating hearts, of intertwined destinies, of promises kept. Everyone who has crossed his path comes out changed, enriched by a little of that discreet light that he has sown throughout his journey.

However, he is not entirely leaving. True to his commitment, he may return to roam the grounds of La Maison, lawnmower in hand, as a volunteer. Just not right away, as first he wants to take some time to close this chapter and embrace the silence left by so many years of commitment. As a captain never really leaves his ship, he will remain, watching on from a distance, encouraging and smiling, as the work continues.

“I never sought the limelight, only to do what needed to be done. I leave knowing that La Maison is in good hands. What do I take away with me? That together, we can do anything.”

Thus ends a chapter, not with a full stop, but with a comma. La Maison, strong in its past and rich in the legacy left by this man, is ready to write what comes next.

Hats off, and thank you Philippe.

by Valérie Pellissier