DENIS REMON, one of the Island’s all-time most successful pistol shooters, passed away earlier this year at the grand age of 98.
Born in Jersey on 23 February 1928, he “ducked and dived” his way through the Occupation as a young boy to avoid serious trouble. However, he was briefly imprisoned by the Germans for belonging to a proscribed organisation – the De La Salle Boy Scouts!
After the war, Denis joined the Royal Air Force and served for three years in Palestine and the Far East, before briefly working for British European Airways and then joining Lloyd’s Bank. Upon returning to the Island following his term in the RAF, Denis married Betty, his beloved wife of 65 years.
Initially, Denis got involved with local rifle shooting, and shot .303 with the Jersey Rifle Association, as well as .22 in the smallbore rifle league for St Helier and Grouville. But, he subsequently became interested in pistol shooting, and, although it was in its infancy at the time, Denis practised whenever he could – whether that be at Crabbé or squeezing a tennis ball at work to build up his wrist muscles!
At this time, he decided to focus entirely on pistol shooting and, in October 1963, he helped form the Jersey Pistol Club alongside four fellow enthusiasts: Terry Thullier, Fred Newton, Bob Ritchie and Marcel Le Masson – which still runs to this day at Crabbé.
Denis’ impact on the Island’s shooting community didn’t stop there, as he represented Jersey at the Commonwealth Games three times: Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1974; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in 1978; and Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, in 1982; in the Free pistol and Rapid fire.
His best result at the Commonwealth Games saw him place a remarkable equal-third in Edmonton’s 50m free pistol competition, but unfortunately the Caesarean just missed out on the bronze medal due to countback, as the eventual winner had a better series on his last card. This momentous achievement didn’t go unrecognised, however, as Denis was honoured with the Jersey Sports Council’s 1978 Sportsperson of the Year award.
Denis was an immensely talented shooter who won three consecutive Channel Island pistol championships from 1975 – 1977, as well as being named a two-time Jersey Pistol Club Champion after winning in 1977 and 1978.
However, one of his main achievements has to be his extraordinary medal-winning effort at 1978’s Commonwealth Shooting Federation European Championships, which saw the Caesarean win gold in the free pistol and a silver medal in the rapid fire. The Jersey Evening Post referred to the shooting ace as “Big D” – with his typical self-depreciation, Denis said it was a slight exaggeration as he measured only 5ft 6in in his socks.
In addition to his shooting achievements, Denis was the JPC secretary and treasurer of the club for 21 years and helped many members with their shooting skills, including the late Carol Graham (nee Bartlett), who went on to achieve great success at international level, and was selected for two Olympics.
Although he had more than done his bit to retire from competitive shooting in the mid-80s, Denis did return to manage 1997’s Island Games pistol team. In retirement, Denis and Betty enjoyed many trips away, especially to France, but this unfortunately stopped as Betty’s health deteriorated and Denis cared for her until her passing ten years ago.
In his latter years, Denis had his own health issues and fought them stoically, determined to stay at home – which was largely made possible due to the care and loving attention of some very close friends and, latterly, Family Nursing and Home Care.
Denis was a good loyal friend to many, nothing was ever too much trouble. His contribution to the sport cannot be overstated, as he helped put Jersey pistol shooting on the map, with his exceptional sporting achievements and conduct undoubtedly helped the Jersey Pistol Club gain its reputation and the excellent shooting facilities, presently enjoyed by some 190 members. He will be greatly missed.
