A Tribute to Pascal Marlinge

Photo: Pascal laying the first brick of a Save the Children supported nutrition clinic in Abeche town, eastern Chad

Pascal Marlinge, Save the Children's country director in Chad, was murdered by a gunman when driving to an airstrip near the border with neighbouring Sudan earlier this month.

Pascal, 49, a French national, was a powerhouse in the aid community and inspired all those he worked with, both at Save the Children and at other aid agencies. His death has deeply affected his friends and colleagues.

Helle Garro, a programme manager for Save the Children in Chad, described Pascal's death as violent and unjust. "We had just spent two days with Pascal here in Hadjer Hadid and, with his usual energy and commitment, he left the team with the strength and willingness necessary to continue to improve and increase our response to the beneficiaries."

She said that when Pascal left Hadjer Hadid he was "expressing great enthusiasm" about his staff's new education work in the area. He died "on his way to fight for an improved education for the children of Chad" she added.

Everyone who knew Pascal talks of his drive and passion. One aid worker in Chad said: "He had an energy and a big presence. He spoke with authority and his opinions were backed by experience. He was knowledgeable and highly regarded.

"Personally, I felt that if I ever had a problem he would be able to sort me out."

Gareth Owen, Save the Children's London-based Head of Emergencies, knew Pascal well.

"Pascal was a man that I greatly admired and respected. He had that special, rare, human spirit. He was a true leader who never asked anyone to do anything he was not prepared to do himself.

"He led from the front and thought always of others before himself. In the end, he gave his life doing just that.

"There are many human qualities that make truly great aid workers: leadership, courage, humility, honesty, resilience, empathy, tireless energy and a healthy sense of humour. He possessed all these in great measure."

Pascal was very much loved by all. We will always remember him and our memory of him will give us strength to carry on. We owe him that.