The name Toni Mintoff rings notes of joy and happiness in the minds and hearts of thousands of past Junior College students who studied at the University building in Valletta from 1973 onwards.

Toni was the affable barman at the Student Club in St Paul Street where he joyfully welcomed every young student and lovingly prepared his hunger-breaking ‘hobzas’ and sandwiches.

Yet Toni was a disciplined man just emerging for the police force where he obtained his useful training that he merrily combined with his caring oversight at the Student Club. He was able to bring together the opposing worlds of fun and discipline to give healthy lecture-time breaks to all those who flocked to the Club for energy-burning and relaxation sessions.

Many gelled with Toni for long years after proceeding to University at Tal-Qroqq to receive their merited degrees and happily returned to his annual Christmas and New Year eve parties that never failed, with him conjecturing the merriment and ensuring it was always the greatest of times.

And equally Toni was a most loyal person who understood well his duties and responsibilities and practised them in a most exemplary fashion.

Each one of us who passed through the Valletta Student Club surely has loads of anecdotes and fond memories of his good days.

The same may be said of the NSTS faithful employees who later became the more regular face at ‘il-Klub’ and who Toni cared for and loved throughout his 35 years of service there.

All formed part of Toni’s very extended family.

He was an equally shining father, grandfather and great-grand father and a loyal and devote husband to his dear wife Maria who never failed him. To all we extend our warmest sentiments of sympathy.

We will all remember Toni as a symbol of youthful fun with an ever loving smile that won the hearts of all those who came in contact with him.

May he also enjoy his rightful place in heaven.

■ Francis Stivala

Secretary General

NSTF