Mr Couriard, who dedicated his life to helping young people and volunteering in the community, died aged 61 on Friday following an illness.
After joining the Jersey Youth Service in 1976, he went on to help hundreds of young people over the years.
He joined the honorary police in 1983, initially as a Constable’s Officer before becoming a Vingtenier, and with his high-visibility jacket and bushy beard he soon became a familiar sight at public events.
On hearing of Mr Couriard’s death, Chief Minister Ian Gorst said: ‘It is difficult to think of an aspect of Island life in which Mitch Couriard has not been involved.
‘His dedication was second to none and he will be greatly missed.’
The book of condolence is available at St James Centre in St James Street.
Paul Routier: Mitch’s Contribution of time and energy to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was immense. The support he gave to all young people and especially those with special needs, including our own son was fantastic. Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Mark Lowe: Remember him directing the traffic in all the years I came over for the Jersey Rally down at the Esplanade. RIP Mitch.
George Baird: Strange as it might seem but we will always remember his smile and when anything needed doing – he was always there. A Great Jerseyman who will be so sadly missed.
Jersey Youth Service: Our office will never be the same.
Chris Coomer: Lost another good one. RIP Mitch.
Debbie Reynolds: I am so shocked. He seemed to be a permanent fixture at all events. Can’t believe this has happened. We have lost an amazing man.
Polly Johns: This is very sad news. RIP Mitch. Thoughts with your family at such a difficult time.
Alix Holmes: Remember him with fondness as part of the Youth Service team, especially D of E award scheme.
Tracy Vibert: Sad loss of one of Jersey’s stalwarts, a true ambassador.
Walbrook Teddy: Only had one encounter with Mitch – started off very serious ended with him laughing and saying ‘I will give you that one’.
TRIBUTES have been paid to Mitch Couriard, one of Jersey’s best-known public servants, who died on Friday.
Island leaders and senior officials united to honour the 61-year-old Vingtenier, who dedicated his life to helping young people and serving the Island’s community.
Mark Capern, principal youth officer at the Jersey Youth Service, said Mr Couriard’s death marked a sad day for the organisation.
He added: ‘Mitch gave more than 40 years’ service and had an impact on so many young people.
‘He was passionate about the Jersey Youth Service and the positive impact it could have.
‘One of the projects he was proudest of was the development of Crabbé, because of the unique opportunities it offers young people.
‘So many Islanders will have fond memories of Mitch as they were growing up.
‘We will miss him very much.’
Chief Minister Ian Gorst also paid tribute to Mr Couriard, whose high-viz jacket and dark, bushy beard made him a recognisable and familiar face at the many public events he helped to co-ordinate.
Senator Gorst said: ‘It is difficult to think of an aspect of Island life in which Mitch Couriard has not been involved over the years.
‘He committed a huge amount of his time to this community, as a stalwart of the honorary police and as a reassuring presence at events across the Island.
‘His dedication was second to none and he will be greatly missed.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with his family.’
After training as an electrician, Mr Couriard joined the Jersey Youth Service in 1976, following involvement in the St Helier Boys’ School’s Hermitage Youth Project a decade earlier.
He went on to dedicate his time to a number of organisations which helped young Islanders to thrive, and also served with the honorary police.
He joined the service in 1983 as a St Helier Constable’s Officer and became a Vingtenier four years later.
Earlier this month he was sworn in for his tenth term in the role.
Hugh Raymond, president of the Honorary Police Association, said: ‘Mitch was the original president of the association.
‘He was an integral part of Jersey life and everything I learned about the honorary police came from him.
‘He was the frontrunner of the voluntary force and he will be sorely missed.
‘He will be difficult to replace and all our thoughts go to his family.
‘He was one of those people who just got on with things.’
Education Minister Rod Bryans said: ‘I came to the Island in 1976 and if I were asked to recall the most distinctive characters that sum up Jersey, Mitch Couriard would be one I would immediately call to mind.
‘He was always there.
‘All of us have experienced turning up at a junction on a dark wet night to be pointed in the right direction by Mitch.
‘I think the whole Island owes him a debt of gratitude.’
Mr Couriard was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2002 and was made an MBE for his service to the community.
A decade later he was selected as the subject of the Jersey Heritage People’s Portrait and served as a torch bearer when the Olympic Flame came to the Island in 2012.
The JEP extends sympathy to Mr Couriard’s wife, Kaye, and his sons from his first marriage, Christopher and Robert.
THERE are many Islanders who give their time back to the community, but few will ever compare to honorary policeman Mitch Couriard, who died on Friday.
The instantly recognisable officer, who was also a long-serving representative of the Jersey Youth Service, dedicated his days to serving the community that he loved, and to helping a huge range of local youth organisations to flourish.
Mr Couriard – or Mitch, as he was simply known by the majority of Islanders – was a truly remarkable man.
With his trademark high-viz jacket and dark, bushy beard, he was a familiar face at the many public events he helped to co-ordinate, from the Battle of Flowers and Jersey Live to royal visits and Remembrance parades.
His presence was a guarantee that everything was under control, with no doubt that every eventuality would have been considered.
Many Islanders will have their own fond memories of this remarkable man, and it is therefore hard to put into words just how much of a loss Mitch will be to Island life.
A community champion, a proud Islander, a meticulous organiser, a willing volunteer, and, above all, a kind and considerate man – these are the kind of qualities that we should all aspire to, and hopefully Mitch’s legacy will stand as an inspiration to us all.
His tireless service led to him being made an MBE in 2002, and later being chosen as the subject of the 2012 Jersey Heritage People’s Portrait, and being asked to carry the Olympic torch on its Jersey leg in the same year.
But while his honour from the Queen was well deserved, it is hard to imagine that Mitch did anything simply to receive recognition – to anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him, it was clear to see that he worked so hard simply because he loved his Island, and he loved helping others.
If every Islander could have a fraction of the commitment that Mitch showed to his home island, then Jersey would be a much greater place in which to live.
