Emile Lallemand

Emile Lallemand, the soccer goalie who propelled Violette athletic club of Haiti to several victories, passed away at the age of 88, surrounded by a sea of love on January 8, 2022, in his house at Dolton, Illinois. He was predeceased by his brother Pierrot, and left behind; his loving wife Mimose, his beloved children Rudy, Sienky, Miriam, his devoted grandchildren; his cherished brothers, Guy, Raymond, Roger; many nephews and nieces; and many loyal and loving friends and fans.

He was born on November 10, 1933, in Port au Prince, Haiti, to the parents of Emile Louis Lallemand and Utilia Paillant. At a very early age, he was a special addition to his school band at Saint Martial, playing the flute and the trombone for flag and religious parades. It was not until he went to Lycee Louverture, that he developed his dedication and love for sports: first in Olympic games, then for his real passion, soccer.

In Olympic games, he excelled in track and field, and became champion of the high jump in the junior category. Additionally, he won medals in several relay races. However, his career in soccer commenced with a few obstacles considering that both his father and mother were against it. But when they saw his determination, his parents were happy to watch him play. He eventually became one of the best goalies in Haiti. With Emile as goalie, the Violette club became the local champion team for many years. He then went on to defend the colors of Haiti against Mexico and other Caribbean countries in world cup elimination games. With his popularity, the name Lallemand became a household name in the country.

After he retired as a soccer player, he became a referee, which was a difficult and dangerous position at the time. Once at a Caribbean tournament sponsored by the late dictator, Dr. Francois Duvalier, he had a special demand from Duvalier's Tonton Macoutes (his boogeymen). Before the game, he was told to make sure that Trinidad lost the game so that Haiti could be the champion. As a man of principle and courage, he replied with "no way." If it was not for a friend among them suggesting another referee for the job, he would not have come out alive.

In Haiti he went on to work as a lino-typist and technician at the National Press, Imprimerie d'etats. Later he was employed at the Chicago tribune working in the same capacity after moving his family to Illinois.

He was a man of character, courage, and discipline. He carried that discipline with him when he became a freemason in the late sixties. He gave this fraternity organization all of his attention and put in an immense amount of effort to achieve the rank of Master Mason, presiding over official ceremonies.

He was not only a courageous father and grandfather, an exemplary husband, an incomparable brother, a sincere friend, and an idol for his fans, but above all, he was our strength, and our everything.

Written by SIENNA GABRIELLE LALLEMAND