The rapid fading away of my dear cousin George has left most, if not all, who knew him dumbfounded and riveted to their chair!

George was a noble soul, a man honest to himself and loyal to all around him. He was gentle, unassuming and humble. Family was all he lived for. He appreciated and returned true friendship. He was full of life. He never compromised his principles to ensure personal advancement. He was strongly motivated by ideals for social justice, in favour of peace and against imperialism. As a true progressive, he held that dialogue was the melting pot for refining ideas; and hence he maintained that such discussion was to be conducted thoroughly, in a civilised and congenial atmosphere. He was creative, open minded, and a liberal favouring diversity. He had the sensitive heart of an artist who has truly suffered. These are but a few of the facets that made this precious gift!

True to the saying attributed to George Bernard Shaw, he was a gentleman, in being one who put into the world more than he took out!

In this moment of truth, I beg his devoted wife, charming daughters, faithful son, loving mother, endearing sisters and steadfast brother, to find solace in the fact that George’s point of reference throughout his life was none other than Our Lord Jesus Christ, true Man and true God, and by no means a funky idol!

It is in trying times such as these that the unfailing promise of Our Lord and Saviour – “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25) – comes to the fore with full force, reassuring us of the solemn truth that humankind has been called to a high destiny.

I believe, without doubt, that after a life lived well and to the full, but not without its sufferings and regrets, he is now, from this time on, already enjoying his well merited reward with our Merciful Heavenly Creator; the Father who has known each and every one of us, on a first name basis, since the dawn of time!

Knowing you has been a great honour and privilege all the way. Au revoir, dear friend.

Ramon Borg-Bartolo