Following his funeral at the Town Church colleagues from the honorary police formed a guard of honour that joined a procession through town before family members travelled on to the crematorium.
Hundreds arrived for the hour-long service, led by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Bob Key, to celebrate the life of the former youth worker who was known for his commitment to Jersey and helping thousands of younger people to enjoy their Island.
Mr Key joked that the 61-year-old – known to most simply as Mitch – was still ‘directing traffic’ as he had made detailed arrangements for the ceremony.
Poignant, touching and, at times, funny, tributes were paid to Mr Couriard, which painted a picture of a man who many felt embodied the traits that give Jersey its special identity.
Mark Capern, Mr Couriard’s colleague at the Jersey Youth Service, Chef de Police Danny Scaife who worked with him for years in St Helier’s honorary force and Mr Key all spoke of his generosity and selflessness as they shared their memories.
And with no room left inside the Town Church many gathered outside to listen to the proceedings as they were broadcast into the grounds.
Mr Capern, the principal youth officer at the Jersey Youth Service, talked about Mr Couriard’s passion for youth work and his attention to detail when it came to planning large-scale events.
Standing before a painting of Mr Couriard – a picture commissioned when he was chosen as the subject of the 2012 Jersey Heritage People’s Portrait – Mr Capern said: ‘He was passionate about the work of the Youth Service and would fight for what he thought was the right thing to do.
‘All of his work was done with passion and attention to detail.’
Mr Scaife spoke next and reminded the audience of the Vingtenier’s long voluntary service.
He said: ‘Occasionally in a community there are people whose character, personality and achievements are larger than life.
‘One such person was Mitch Couriard. It’s a testament to the respect he was held in that so many people from so many different walks of life are here today.’
Mr Scaife later added: ‘It is, for the honorary police, the end of an incredible era.
‘He was a true son of Jersey, and one of the finest ambassadors the Island has ever produced.’
The Bailiff, William Bailhache, read the story of the Good Samaritan, before Mr Key gave a final address.
He said Mr Couriard was ‘someone who was the natural embodiment of what makes Jersey special.
‘A unique Island figure, instantly recognisable, universally admired and greatly appreciated.’
Family and friends are due to gather to scatter Mr Couriard’s ashes at Crabbé – a site dear to the former youth worker’s heart – on 20 December.
