Unfortunately, on Saturday 19th December he suddenly passed away Gilbert de Turckheim, former President of the FACE (2003-2015) and still Honorary President of the Federation. As the current president recalls Torbjorn Larsson, "Gilbert de Turckheim was an outstanding ambassador for hunting and conservation, to which he devoted much of his time and valuable skills. As president of FACE, he played an important role in the negotiation of theFACE-Birdlife agreement, signed on 12 October 2004.
This agreement marked more than a decade of constructive cooperation between conservation and hunting and was designed to end emotional conflict by paving the way for a broader constructive dialogue. Gilbert was also actively involved in promoting FACE engagement and dialogue in the EU platform agreement on coexistence between people and large carnivores. Gilbert de Turckheim has always been energetic in promoting solutions and a great promoter of the conservation role of hunting across Europe. Everyone who met Gilbert was greeted by his warm personality, his generosity and his gentle smile.
Gilbert loved being the president of FACE and was always ready and able to accept an invitation, be a warmly welcoming host and deliver the best possible speech for any occasion. Prior to his presidency at FACE, Gilbert was president of the Federation of Hunters of the Bas-Rhin department in his native France (1986-2004) and regional president of hunting for the north-east. He has held many key positions, including that of Vice-President of the French National Federation of Hunters (Fédération Nationale des Chasseurs), President of the ONCFS (French National Agency for Hunting and Wildlife) for 6 years and was a member of the French Economic and Social Council.
Gilbert's commitment to nature conservation and wildlife initiatives in France and Europe has been long and varied and stems from a life of experience and passion. We will miss you, Gilbert!" The Italian Federation of Hunting also joins the condolences of those who have known him and extends the most sincere condolences to his family and friends.