Fiona Galea Debono
'Karl died the way he lived'
'We fought it with him... but we had to give up'
A portrait of Labour MP Karl Chircop stands on the parliamentary seat he used to occupy. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi.
Karl Chircop "died the way he had lived - giving until the very end," his wife Adriana told The Times yesterday.
She was speaking from the London hospital where the 43-year-old family doctor was transferred following a cerebral haemorrhage on August 3, and where the machines that were keeping him alive were switched off on Sunday evening.
His organs have been donated and he died helping someone else, she said, after a pause to muster her strength. "He was helping people all his life... until the very end."
The only consolation Mrs Chircop could derive from the tragedy was that "at least, someone is going to gain something from all this..."
She, in turn, had lost everything, and no words could quantify that loss, she answered, breaking down for a moment on the other end of the telephone.
Putting up a brave front, Ms Chircop said she was trying to get the paperwork done, so that "we can come down (to Malta)".
Her children returned from the UK soon after their father's death but Mrs Chircop stayed on, in the company of her mother-in-law Marion, and Dr Chircop's sister, to sort out the complicated bureaucracy to bring her husband's body back to Malta. She returned early this morning.
Mrs Chircop did not yet have an idea when the funeral would be held as she was not sure when the procedure would be completed.
"I do not even know when his body is going to return," she said in the early afternoon. Friday has been mentioned, but the family is trying to bring him back sooner.
Referring to her husband's condition after he collapsed into a deep coma on August 3 and the ray of hope that filled their lives again about a fortnight later, when he seemed to be making progress, she explained: "For those who are not in the situation, it is difficult to understand...
"The thing is I thought that when he opened his eyes, he would continue to come out of it. However, opening your eyes does not mean you are out of the coma, or even regaining consciousness.
"But your hope drives you, you know... He could have recovered, but in these situations, infections are the enemy. The longer you stay in the ITU, the higher the chances of succumbing to something.
"All I can say is that he really fought it, and we fought it with him. But we had to give up..."
Dr Chircop died surrounded by his family at the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. "We were all around him," his wife said.
"Given the circumstances, my children (Jan, Francesca, Christian and Keith) are being very strong, I think... We gain our strength from him, at the end of the day, because he gave us so much..."
Ms Chircop has only one little request: "One day, do you know what I would like because I have been away...? Just all the articles wherever he was mentioned on a disc for me," she says, explaining that she would like to keep them.
Messages continued to stream into timesofmalta.com and the political parties expressed their sorrow and solidarity with the family of Dr Chircop as soon as the news broke on Sunday afternoon.
In their first meeting after the announcement of Dr Chircop's death, the members of the Labour Parliamentary Group observed a minute's silence yesterday afternoon. Together with Dr Joseph Muscat they paid tribute to Dr Chircop and were the first to sign a book of condolences at the foyer of the MLP headquarters, which is open for signing until Sunday.
From yesterday to tomorrow, the flags of the party clubs and its headquarters will be flying at half mast.
During yesterday evening's parliamentary sitting, the House commemorated the passing away of the popular MP, who always had a joke to tell.
Condolences also came from the Association of ex-MPs, while the Medical Association of Malta expressed their deep sadness at the loss of the family doctor, describing him as "an exemplary and dedicated member of the medical profession, who was liked and respected by all.
"A true gentleman, he will not be forgotten by his many friends, colleagues and patients," the association said.
The General Workers' Union and the Union Ħaddiema Maqgħudin also sent their condolences to the family for the loss of such a "worthy" person. The UĦM said it would always appreciate Dr Chircop's contribution to the country in the field of employment and, more recently, health.
Dr Chircop, who became a doctor in 1987, had been elected to Parliament since 1996. A month before he collapsed when he had a stroke in his garage, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat had appointed him MLP spokesman for health.
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reno borg
Oct 16th 2008, 21:58
I remember Karl so well .He was always gentle, sincere and loving. We were good friends and whenever we met we shared a joke or talked about our favourite team. Censu Moran was right in describing him as his son; Karl emulated Censu's kind heart and loved his constitutents and patients as members of his own family. His loss is tremendous and there can be no words to explain his family sorrow. May God help you all in this difficult moment.
Joseph Falzon
Oct 16th 2008, 15:47
My condolences to you and your family.
My wife Marie and my son Karl Falzon spoke very highly of you and your family members.
My son Karl will never forget the many times your husband has garaged his VW beetle. To some this might seem stupid, However your husband was truly a loving and humble person.
Let's pray for his eternal rest . May God bless you and your family and keep HIS arms around you. HE is surely praying for you in heaven.
Daniel Jackson
Oct 16th 2008, 14:45
Couldn't they have tried magnetic therapy such as in this case?
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026783.400
dawn zammit
Oct 15th 2008, 21:23
I am very sorry to hear about Karl, he was a lovely man , and my heart goes out to his wife and children and the rest of his family
pauline agius
Oct 15th 2008, 19:57
pauline agius .st lucija ,karl int qatt mhu se tkun minsi mil- familja tghana ,nirringrazzjak ta kemm kont umli ma kulhadd dejjem sibnik meta fitixnik , int bmiedem ta qalb tad- deheb ,dejjem wrejt mal - poplu kollu .R I P.
Pauline Abela
Oct 15th 2008, 12:22
To Marion and Karl's family, also to Marisa and Tatiana. I'm so very sad that you've had to go through this again. We have been trying to follow Karl's progress. Mum and Dad said that they heard the news as soon as they got on the internet yesterday. They send their condolences as well. May Karl rest in peace and may you have comfort in knowing that he's always lived his life to the full, in a positive way and is still enabling others to improve their quality of life through donating his organs. Pauline Abela (Farrugia)
Edward Pavia
Oct 15th 2008, 11:56
I dedicate this to Karl´s memory
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am the song that never ends
I am the love of family and friends
I loved you all, I cared for you
I never flinched from defending you.
I am now the child who has gone to rest
In the arms of my father who knew me best.
When you see the sunset fair
I am the scent of the evening air
I am the joy of a job well done
I am the glow of a setting sun.
Do not come to my grave to weep,
For I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
Daniel Russell
Oct 15th 2008, 10:51
My sincere condolences to Adriana Chircop and her children and all of the extended family of Karl Chircop from all of the Russell family in the UK. Even though I did not know him the glowing tributes paid show how esteemed Karl was to all in Malta. Not only was he a commensurate politician, a excellent father and husband and family doctor. Doubtless he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered in Malta.
Rest in peace and my God grant you eternal peace and confort your family in their hour of need. God bless to you all.
Tania Brown
Oct 15th 2008, 07:07
There is not much to add to the eulogies already posted hereunder. Notwithstanding the seriousness of Dr Karl’s condition, we all hoped for a recovery and his loss still came as a shock. We will deeply miss Dr Karl, a great gentleman characterized by interminable kindness, integrity and humour, a fine doctor and even finer friend, whom we feel lucky to have known and spent time with during his all too brief life. Our condolences go to all his family. May wonderful memories of Karl sustain them throughout these hard times and may they find solace in the knowledge of his love for them. – David & Tania
Parimal Ratilal
Oct 15th 2008, 01:35
Hi.I did not know him but after reading this article i felt sorry and for this i am writing it.Hope that he rest in peace and GOD bless your family.
Paul Pace
Oct 14th 2008, 22:11
Farewell, my long lasting friend. I remember how WE have been at school together , how we have been at the peace lab together, how we have went out in the evenings together and playing table tennis in your basement at your home with our other friend Chris then we both got married but our frienship contined as ever. You were my only friend from my school days and we have remained so for the last thirty years. You then went into politics and I went into union matter. You have become shadow minister for health and I have become president of the midwives and nurses. Two days prior the incidence you were at my home making plans to meet as usual. Gosh I will miss you then ever. Farewell my good beloved trustworthy friend. Me and Chris will always remember you for our bond which is not broken but just extended. Pray for us from were you are. Good bye Karl You were the youngest from us three.
Rebecca Sultana
Oct 14th 2008, 20:28
I never had the pleasure to meet or get to know Karl Chircop, but have always admired his approachable and gentle ways. I always felt that he was truly motivated by sincere goodwill and a deep love for people. His passing away is a sad and great loss for all but I'm sure he is in a much happier place... My deepest sympathies go out to his family to whom I wish comfort and peace...
'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal'.
Dr. Noel Calleja
Oct 14th 2008, 20:02
I got to know this wonderful person through the firsd service of his Mazda blue extate 323 when he brought it over to the Gasan Workshops in Gzira. It was the beginning of a very long relationship. Still cannot believe Why do these things happen? May I wish love and strong helth to all the family of Dr. Chricop. For sure that our nation has lost a vocational professional and polititian. We are going to miss you Karl....already did...May God be with you and all the rest....
Massimo J Ellul
Oct 14th 2008, 18:24
The news of Karl's death was relayed to me last Sunday whilst I was in France. It was indeed a devastating blow. I have had the honour of working very closely with Karl throughout his years as an MP on the 4th electoral district. I have lost a true and genuine friend and no words can describe the loss. We have shared many an hour working together and I can personally attest to his constant and ongoing zeal in favour of his constituents, patients and friends. To Adriana and her children, and to Marion, Karl's mum, my deepest condolences. The country, parliament, the 4th electoral district and the Labour Party have indeed lost one of the real gentleman politicians and a true servant of the people.
simon amato
Oct 14th 2008, 17:35
I CAN REMEMBER AFTER THE MARCH ELECTION SENDING MAILS TO KARL TROUGH HI5. HIS REPLIES WERE IN A SHORT TIME AND NOT A SHORT ONES! THAT REALLY MAKES ME FEEL LIKE IM CORRESPONDING WITH A MEMBER OF MY FAMILY. HE WAS SUCH A GREAT GENTLEMEN. A BIG LOSS IN THE LABOUR PARTY AND IN MALTESE POLITICS. THANKS AGAIN KARL WE STILL PRAY FOR YOU FOREVER. A PLACE IN HEAVEN IS DESERVED FOR YOU.
Jimmy Magro
Oct 14th 2008, 14:50
I have lost a real friend. We kept close contact and always offered our co-operation to each other. Karl was a person that knew how to give and never to make any requests. We always had a common smile that showed our positive thinking in life. Living in Gudja, where I have relatives, he always used to mention my cousins (Farrugia) who lived in this tranquil locality and where my mother lived for so many years. In fact we also lived there for six years. I also happen to know Andrea as we had worked together at the Malta Development Corporation. Their kids attend De La Salle College where my twin boys attend too. Having these close traits, I feel a great loss of a real friend.
We all have to be strong to face the future. The whole nation is united behind the Chircop family as Karl served everywhere with dignity and class.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Oct 14th 2008, 14:21
I still can't believe it!!!!
Fr. Dyonisius Mintoff
Oct 14th 2008, 13:55
It is but natural that the death of Karl Chircop, a benevolent gentleman at the early age of 43 should cause grief. His valuable qualities of character have been well known to one and all at Hal Far. Traits of character such as intelligence, patience, quickness of grasp and readiness to help others which he showed as active member of the youth movement of the Peace Lab and during his subsequent public career deserve emulation.
Antoinette mascari
Oct 14th 2008, 13:28
My condolences to Mrs Adriana Chircop and family. No one can understand the loss of someone you have loved for so long, but true love continues beyond life. Dr Karl will look down upon you and your family from Heaven. My children and I have been through the grief for the loss of our beloved whom we lost three years ago this month.
Though I never met Dr Karl Chircop but I read about him and saw him on TV programmes where he seemed to be a genuine politician and a dedicated family man. May he will always be remembered in happy memories and may his good example be of a role model to others.
He lived and died in order to save others in life and beyond.
Let's pray for his eternal rest and for the family to accept what cannot be changed, to continue to love and move on as a family, in peace and harmony the way he would have wished. May God bless his family and keep them safe.
Mrs Chircop has done her best as a loving wife together with the family they gave him the best to be with him to the end.
Charles Michael Grech (Rev)
Oct 14th 2008, 11:54
When you came to school and told me about the situation of your husband, you somehow managed showed me the strength of a woman, wife and mother. I hope we would be the same when we come to a situation like of some sort. We had a minute silence and prayed for his repose (Monday during assembly). I promise you that we at the De la Salle College (Birgu) students and teachers, pray for you and all the family so that the strength you showed me will be with you always. remember "We are one Lasallian Family" therefore we too have lost a member. May he rest in peace and heaven be his bed.
John Portelii
Oct 14th 2008, 11:30
May the lord be with his family during this very difficult time,So sorry for their loss.May Karl rest eternal peace.
Joe Cordina
Oct 14th 2008, 11:01
Let as all pray for dear Karl and his family. May God be with you all.
Edward Pavia
Oct 14th 2008, 10:33
Dear Adriana, It´s Eddie. It goes without saying how devastated my family and I are feeling at the moment, knowing full well that we will never be able to see dear Karl again. From a personal level I can´t believe all this. It´s feels like a horrible dream. I am still here in the Czech Republic, and I can´t think of anything else but Karl. Thanks to my brother Joe and the Times of Malta I have been able to stay informed about Karl´s latest news. I always had high hopes that Karl will make a full recovery and be back doing what he does best. Serving his family, his patients and his constituents. Karl has touched a lot of people´s lives because he always strived to make a difference to the lives of the people he served. He had an infectious personality. I shall miss him, he was like a brother to me. I know you are going through a very difficult time at the moment darling, but please take comfort from the fact that you were married to a great man, one who will live in our hearts for ever. I am thinking of you and the children.