We had the good fortune and pleasure of knowing Wayne in the last quarter of 2008 when Keith Marshall, the man behind the philanthropic organisation Reaching Out, got together yet another group of young people for the fourth Kilimanjaro Challenge to raise funds for the first phase of the building of an orphanage in Nyamonge, Kenya.

Wayne’s belief in and enthusiasm for this cause was evident by his regular attendance and punctuality for training sessions and committee meetings over the span of almost a year. When it came to fund-raising he was one of the most active members of the team, approaching many potential sponsors, always upbeat and never disheartened when at first the money only trickled in. We still vividly remember the smile of evident satisfaction on his face and his sigh of relief during those times when he used to secure a good sponsorship.

Wayne never shied away from challenges even during training, the sole exception being when it posed a danger to his life only after having exhausted all possible reasonable attempts. His words of encouragement to all team-mates on our ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, were instrumental in our success with all members reaching Uhuru peak in the dawn of 6 September 2009.

Upon descent and arrival back in Malta, he saw to it that the funds collected reached their final destination – the orphans – in no time at all. He confided to us how the Challenge had transformed him, changing his perception of the African continent and in the process gaining a better understanding of the plight of refugees and immigrants reaching our shores from that continent.

As the priest rightly pointed out in the funeral homily, Wayne was and still is a role model for young people as he always put his talents (musical, acting and fundraising) and energy at the service of others, a żgħażugħ ħabrieki with a heart of gold who only feel fulfilled as a person when seeing others less fortunate with a smile on their face. Wayne was a magnanimous, resolute, brave, technically minded and exemplary worker, ever conscientious, cautious and professional in the execution of his duties, genuinely concerned for the well-being of others and always ready to go out of his way to help fellow workmates.

The news of the unfortunate incident, which took away his life at his workplace in front of his very own father and brother, spread like wildfire and shocked all who knew him. The large crowd, with people from all walks of life, that packed the Mgarr church and parvis at his funeral mass and the many positive comments posted online are testimony to this great yet humble young man. Wayne’s shining example and joie de vivre should serve as a permanent yardstick for today’s young people. He lives in our memories, our hearts and spirit and we shall always treasure the times we shared.

Wayne has our heartfelt thanks and our prayers for him to enjoy his just reward for a race well run and a fight well fought in the beauty, the glory and the awesome justice of God where we may be granted the wish to meet again.

Our condolences to his parents, brother, sister, relatives, friends and the Mgarr community.

Wayne… buddy, you will be missed but never forgotten!

Martina Calleja

Carmel Hili

BURMARRAD