Appreciation - Remo Mifsud

(Dr the Chev) J R Pace, Grand Prior, Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands, The Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, writes:

The recent death of Raymond Mifsud, known as Remo, 51, has left his family and friends in shock.

He was all set and booked to participate at a dinner of the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands in the Order of St Lazarus, to which he proudly belonged, on his return from a business trip abroad. He was instead called by his Lord and Master to attend a different banquet, in the course of getting his eternal reward.

Remo was hardworking and dedicated to his vocational commitments, affable, easy-going, and charming. He was involved - at officer rank - within the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands in the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem.

I remember I was so happy to receive him into our charitable jurisdiction as a confrère some years ago, and we quickly became personal friends. Remo made friendships comfortably, effortlessly. My wife and I have known his lovely parents Antoine and Marie Louise Mifsud for years, and he must have inherited from them much that was good and attractive in his character.

Remo demonstrated a clear sense of values, a visible understanding of what it really meant to belong to a chivalric and charitable order like ours. He often asked if there was anything we needed or that he could do for us, and he frequently presented good ideas for training courses or other activities.

At the last investiture, he was given an award as member in the Companionate of Merit in the order, and was in line for promotion very soon.

Alas, the clock stopped. The generous heart stopped beating. The friendly smile was gone.

Though Remo is gone, he leaves behind him a golden legacy of respect and appreciation. He is sorely missed by all who knew him.

Our heart goes out to our consoeur Dr Roberta Borg Costanzi, to Marie Louise, Antoine, Joseph, his daughter Rachel and her husband, and all of Remo's family.

On behalf of all, not least the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands, I salute dear Remo with our age-old motto: Atavis et Armis!