Appreciation - Remo Mifsud

Chris J. Delicata, acting president, International Diabetes, Federation, European Region, write:

The news of Remo's passing away was a shock to all who knew him. His demise was so unexpected and sudden.

I got to know Remo through my involvement in the Maltese Diabetes Association and later as a board member of the International Diabetes Federation - European Region (IDF Europe). Remo was always there to give a helping hand; be it financial support through a sponsorship or simply by giving his wise words of advice.

He was an amiable person with a heart of gold; he was an altruistic person who would go out of his way to help and when he couldn't he would say no in such a caring and positive way that he would still have won your respect and gratitude.

He was the kind of person that would make everyone laugh. He would always cheer you up, particularly if he knew you had a bad day. That's the trademark of Remo. He always wanted to make people happy.

I recall with immense gratitude the evening of Thursday, September 18, 2008, precisely a year ago, when Remo, as country manager of Servier hosted a dinner for board members of IDF Europe and Maltese diabetologists on the occasion of the IDF Europe General Assembly and Regional Meeting that was being held in Malta the following weekend. Everything was perfect, the set-up, the cuisine, the choice of wines and this symbolised what Remo truly was: a man who had an eye for detail who strove wholeheartedly to ensure that everything went well.

At the end of the meeting, the then president of IDF Europe presented Remo with a small memento to show his gratitude for his kind hospitality. Remo gladly accepted the gift but he soon came up to me to tell me that he did not expect anything. He told me his pleasure was to see that everything went well and that his guests were having an enjoyable time. And this is another positive characteristic of Remo: if he decided to pursue an initiative or support an activity he always did this with passion, charisma and enthusiasm. He never wanted anything in return.

Remo lived his life to the full. He loved travelling, both on business and pleasure; he loved music and was keen on cuisine and wines. Remo would challenge you to taste a very good glass of exquisite red wine and afterwards he would tell you all about the wine and its origins.

Through his profession, Remo supported several non-governmental organisations, general practitioners, doctors, consultants and nurses. He was fond to support any worthy cause or an initiative that would increase one's education, knowledge and awareness particularly in the medical or philanthropic field.

Remo was taken away unexpectedly; everybody wondered why his departure from earth was so quick and abrupt. But God had a better plan for Remo.

I will remember and cherish every time I met Remo. He would greet you with his distinctive smile and his very personalised greeting: "X'hemm!" (What's up?).

Through his friendship and professional relationship, Remo touched our lives. We ought to be thankful that we were given the chance to have known this true exemplary gentleman.

My sincere condolences to his dear family.