Maurice Joseph "Louie" Michaud

Maurice Joseph Michaud, affectionately known as Louie, stepped onto the first tee in Heaven on June 26, 2024. Louie was born in Bordeaux, France on July 23rd, 1934. He loved and excelled in all kinds of sports including hockey, skiing and golf. He was an accomplished skier and, in his younger years, competed in ski jumping competitions. As an amateur wrestler and boxer, Louie represented France in the Empire Games in New Zealand where he took the Bronze Medal in wrestling and the Silver Medal in Boxing.
Rather than return to France, Louie traveled to Canada with the Canadian team landing in Quebec City. He crossed into the United States in the 1950s with only his wrestling boots in a brown paper bag and began a prolific career as a professional wrestler, under the name of Louie Tillet. Louie liked to joke that when he came to the U.S., he only knew a few words – apple pie and ice cream – so that is what he ate until his self-taught English became more well versed!
Louie wrestled all over the United States, and in over 35 countries around the world, showcasing his skills as a master technician in the ring despite his 5'9" stature. He earned numerous titles, including Junior Heavyweight Champion and Brass Knuckles Champion, and he became one of the most respected promoters in the wrestling business, working in Florida, Georgia, California, Tennessee, and Ohio.
In addition to his sports career, Louie had a passion for cooking. He amassed an impressive cookbook collection and honed his culinary skills to become an exemplary chef. In 1986, Louie moved with his family to Highlands and put down roots in this extraordinary community. He worked as a sous chef at Hildegard's (now Wolfgang's) and later as Executive Chef at Highlands Falls Country Club. He opened his own restaurant, Louie Michaud's, where he loved creating savory dishes and was renowned for his extraordinary Sunday brunch. Louie also started the first "Breakfast with Santa" in Highlands, a tradition that continues today.
After selling his restaurant in 1998, Louie returned to his love of golf and became an avid golfer and club maker. Louie loved to tell jokes, pull pranks on friends and was usually the life of the party. He was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life they deserved. His family was Louie's greatest treasure, and he often spoke proudly of them.
Louie was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He passed away in the arms of his wife surrounded by family. Louie will be remembered for the immense love he shared with his friends and family. His heart was as large as his spirit, and he left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
"You never said I'm leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home." Author Unknown.
Louie is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Michaud, his daughters Tricia Michaud Cox (Tom Goldacker) and Michelle Michaud, and Claudine Michaud from his first marriage. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alexandra Michaud, Wesley Cox, and Christopher Cox. Louie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jean Guy.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Highlands Food Pantry or your favorite charity