The final farewell for Karl Gouder will be held today.

The news of his death on Tuesday came as a shock. His loss was felt by many, from family and friends, to colleagues and former constituents from his time in politics. He spent many years serving his country, both at locality level, and at national level as a member of parliament.

It was devastating news for those who knew him. He was a man who dedicated so much time to working for the betterment of people, and a man who was dedicated to working for his country and his party. Indeed, in the days preceding his death, he had announced his decision to contest for the post of PN General Secretary, one of the highest posts within the Nationalist Party.

Messages of tribute flowed on social media following the tragic news. People from all sectors of society and from both sides of the political divide wrote, showing just what kind of person he was, respected by so many.

"Karl will always be remembered by the PN as a person of principle who constantly sought how he could do good for others. His leadership in every role he occupied was always based on what was right and how improvements could be made. From his youth, Karl held various roles as his activism was always a means to make a difference," The Nationalist Party said, when announcing that it would cancel all activities until Sunday as a sign of respect.

A book of condolences opened in memory of Karl Gouder was stationed at the Nationalist Party Headquarters. Prime Minister Robert Abela and a Labour Party delegation went to sign it, showing just how respected Gouder was not only by those within his party, but even by political adversaries.

Upon the news of his death, Prime Minister Robert Abela had said that he had known Gouder for a long time and that he had become good friends with him ever since they knew each other as children at school. He remarked that the two had grown up together and later became colleagues in Parliament. "Despite being on opposing benches, the friendship from our childhood always remained."

Gouder was also praised by The Malta Gay Rights Movement. The organisation said that he was Malta's first openly gay politician to be elected as an MP and added that he "was one of the more vocal persons in the early days of the debate on the cohabitation bill and in the journey towards marriage equality." He did this at a time when Malta was not quite as open as it is nowadays, a testament to the kind of man he was.

Today he will be given his final farewell, a celebration of his life will be held. Karl will not be forgotten.