Appreciation

Margaret Camilleri-Pace, writes:

I got to know Wilfred Vassallo way back in 1986 when the late Rev. Fr Vincent Debono set up the St Patrick's Choir in Sliema. Wilfred was always at the church helping in whatever was needed whether reading during Mass, as Eucharistic Minister or in the 101 things in the running of the church.

Besides St Patricks he was also to be found helping at the Salesian Oratory, at the Ursuline Sisters and also at St Gregory's church. He was one of those persons who could never say no when anyone needed his help. He really and truly embodied the saying 'When you need something done ask a busy person' as no matter how many things he had to do he was always ready to help.

I remember in 1991 when for seven whole weeks I had to stay in bed when expecting my first child and besides the pain I was so very miserable and depressed. He, as Eucharistic Minister, used to come and give me Holy Communion every day and spend at least ten minutes of his very precious time talking to me to cheer me up and make me feel better.

I also remember when for three years running I used to organize a very short pageant just before Midnight Mass at St Patricks Church and as soon as I asked if he could help write the script he immediately said yes and not only wrote a different story for each year, but was also our narrator.

A true gentlemen - his courtly manners and smile besides his great sense of humour endeared him to many and he will be sorely missed not just by his family and friends but by all of us who at sometime or other had the pleasure of knowing him.

As it said in the prayer 'God's garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best'.

So goodbye dear friend and may you rest in peace with God whom you loved so very much.

To his dear wife Antoinette and all his family, I send my deepest condolences.