Genuine 'good boy with a golden heart'

On behalf of my mum Carmen, my sister Kathleen and myself, I would like to express our shock at hearing about photographer Mario Agius's fatal accident.

For most of his life, my late father worked with his father at their studio in Paola and in later years worked for Mario before he passed away in 1988. My father considered Mario and most of his brothers and sisters more like family than workmates.

Mario's death brought back many memories of when I sometimes accompanied my father to shoot pictures. My dad had a special fondness for him and his brother Ronald. He just loved working with Mario. He repeatedly told me, every time he worked with him, that Mario was a "genuine good boy" with a golden heart.

Although we have not seen him since my father's death my family always considered him as a gentleman with a cheerful attitude. We had great esteem for him because of the special friendship he shared with my dad.

We are really sorry for him and also wanted to express our heartfelt solidarity towards his family. Rest assured that we will remember him in our prayers. May God reward him abundantly for his kindness.