Written by Tom Byrnes:
I met Claude about twenty years ago. He looked like a French movie star, with his good looks, flowing silver hair, ready smile, nice eyes and his English, with a French accent. And, always well dressed. At some point in time after being a La Grange member, I asked Claude about his last name (Innocenti), as it sounded Italian (which it is) to me. He told me that his name was Italian, but that he had been born and raised in Nice. I had been to the Nice and Cannes area about ten separate times and love that area, so we had places and things to talk about.
Claude had four brothers. The oldest brother immigrated to New York City and became the captain of a mainly French amateur soccer team in NYC. Claude was recruited by his brother to come to New York and play with the soccer team, as Claude was a pretty good goalie. Claude came to NYC, joined the soccer team and his brother got him a job in a restaurant.
Claude continued working in the restaurant business, ultimately working his way up with Conrad Hotels (Hilton’s international division) as Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage Worldwide. He traveled the world opening the new properties owned by Conrad in Europe, Australia and the Caribbean. While working in Australia opening a Hilton Hotel, he met his wife Michelle.
Claude told me how he was officially introduced to La Grange. He had enjoyed meeting and talking with Raymond. Raymond invited him to go for a bike ride (maybe the Sunday Nichols Ride) and Claude readily accepted. Claude showed up at the ride start wearing tennis shorts, a t-shirt and sneakers and riding a cruiser-style bike. Raymond arrived on his road bike wearing his La Grange cycling kit.
Claude obviously made the adjustment. He soon embraced cycling. When he retired from Hilton International, he seemed to go to work for Velo Club La Grange. My recollection is that he was the President of La Grange for about eight years, and he actually served as President twice, and then became the Club Treasurer for about fifteen years. But, whatever the actual number of years, for many, many years Claude gave significant time and attention to La Grange. When I joined the Board, Claude was the Treasurer.
Claude appears to be the last of the Frenchmen of La Grange. Claude always made sure that the Club remembered Raymond. He stayed in touch with Raymond and visited with him often at Raymond's house in El Segundo and later his care facility in Culver City. Claude always reminded the club of Raymond's birthday every year (December 26th, as Marco just reminded everyone). Claude would order a birthday cake for Raymond and for a few years, Claude, Marco, Jay, Stu Press, Dean Smith, me and others would bring the cake and visit Raymond at his care facility in Culver City.
Claude was also instrumental in arranging to pick up Raymond from his care facility to transport Raymond in a wheelchair accessible taxi van to the Brentwood Grand Prix each year. The Club would take Raymond, Alex Baum (another Frenchmen and deservedly called the "Father of Cycling in Los Angeles"). It was always wonderful to see and listen to Claude, Raymond, and Chef Rudy together speaking French.
Claude was a very good athlete. Besides playing soccer when he was younger, Claude also loved playing tennis. He avidly followed the pro cycling peloton and the grand tours. Claude was well into his 70’s when we went up to the Russian River area to cycle for a week a few years ago.
I feel very fortunate that I met and became friends with Claude. He was a great person. All who knew him will miss him.
Claude embraced life and set a good example for the rest of us. Carpe diem.
Best always to all,
Tom
