The final applause

George Bonello Dupuis, politician, died February 29, aged 82.

Dr Bonello Dupuis was first elected to Parliament on the Nationalist Party ticket in 1971. He was appointed finance minister after the 1987 election and economic services minister in 1992, a post he held until 1995. The popular Sliema politician is credited with major financial and economic reforms during the period. He went on to serve as Malta’s High Commissioner to the UK from 1999 to 2005. He was also a successful notary and an avid sportsman, also serving as president of Sliema Wanderers FC.

Benny Pace, sports journalist, died February 24, aged 73.

Mr Pace was a noted sports journalist and one of the pioneers in the formation of the national team supporters’ club in 1958.Mr Pace introduced the weekly Soccer Magazine in 1957, as well as serving as sports editor of Il-Poplu (1958-1973), Il-Mument (1972-1985) and In-Nazzjon Tagħna (1970-1985). Mr Pace was also the first president of the Darts Association, the Basketball Association and the Malta Billiards and Snooker Association.

‘Baron’ Mikel Scicluna, professional wrestler, died March 20, aged 80.

Born in Malta in 1929, ‘Baron’ Scicluna was a professional wrestler, who reached his peak in America the 1960s and 1970s with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWE). One of his biggest wins was pinning Canadian wrestler, Waldo Von Erich, in six minutes at Madison Square Garden. He won the US Tag Team Championship in 1966 and, six years later, won the World Tag Team Championship. He retired in 1984 and was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.

Toni Gauci, popular singer, died March 10, aged 65.

Mr Gauci, also known as Il-Kampanjol, started singing at 14 years old and enjoyed a 40-year singing career. He is mostly remembered for his songs Qalb ta’ Kampanjol, Warda fil-ġnien and Qatt ma kont Daqshekk Ferħan.

Eddie Theobald, footballer, died March 27, aged 69.

One of Malta’s football greats, Mr Theobald distinguished himself with Hibernians FC during the 1960s and 1970s, rarely losing any of the 200 games he played with the club. He played 17 matches for the national team and was voted footballer of the year twice. He played against Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United, impressing their managers with his natural skill.

Col. John Cachia, former Police Commissioner, died April 11, aged 92.

A controversial character, Col. Cachia was Police Commissioner between 1977 and 1980 and appointed the first commander of the Task Force. In early 1987, he invaded the precincts of the House of Representatives as opposition leader Eddie Fenech Adami was making a critical speech. Col Cachia retired with the change of government in 1987.

Peppi Gellel, tailor, died May 25, aged 104.

The oldest man in Malta, Mr Gellel worked as a tailor until he was 103 years old. He was very active within the Vittoriosa community.

Guido de Marco – former President, minister, died August 12, aged 79.

One of Malta’s highest political dignitaries, Prof. de Marco served as President from 1999 to 2004 and as President of the UN General Assembly. Active in politics since his student days, he was elected to Parliament for the first time in 1966, appointed deputy prime minister and minister of home affairs and justice in 1987, later serving as minister of foreign affairs and justice from 1990, when he presented Malta’s application for EU membership. Despite stepping down from politics in 2004 and having to cope with health problems, he remained active in public life, thanks to his charisma and a love for life.

Isabelle Borg – artist, died September 23, aged 51.

Known as one of Malta’s greatest contemporary artists, London-born Ms Borg moved to Malta to lecture at the university, after completing her Master’s degree at Camberwell Art School. Renowned for her bold and expressive works, she contributed to local art literature and inspired many students in their artistic pursuits.

Joseph Saliba, doctor and politician, died November 3, aged 74.

Dr Saliba graduated as a doctor in 1950 and was appointed minister under the Labour government from 1976-1987. During this time, he also served as deputy Speaker and as chairman of the Commission for Higher Education.

Bobby Wood, tattoo artist, died November 7, aged 58.

Mr Wood, known as Il-Bobby, opened one of Malta’s first tattoo parlours in Paola and is credited for the growth of the popularity of tattoos on the island. He worked in the industry for 49 years, leaving his mark on the many patrons who visited his parlours in Paceville and Buġibba.

Maurice Eminyan, theologian, died December 14, aged 88.

Prof. Eminyan was ordained priest in 1952, becoming professor of dogmatic theology at the University of Malta between 1965 and 1993 and director of the Institute of Religious Studies at the University for many years. He published widely on theological issues and was Dean of the Faculty of Theology between 1975 and 1982 and Jesuit Provincial between 1960 and 1966.

Aldo Micallef Grimaud, painter, died November 9, aged 85.

An artist and noted tenor, Mr Micallef Grimaud started painting from his early youth, studying under Vincent Apap, Edward Caruana Dingli and Robert Caruana Dingli. His work ranged from church dome paintings, stamp designs and theatre stage scenery.

Nikol Cauchi – Bishop Emeritus of Gozo, died November 15, aged 81.

Mgr Cauchi served as Gozo Bishop for 38 years until his retirement in 2006. Born in Għarb in 1929, he was ordained priest in 1952. Mgr Cauchi was widely respected as a preacher and communicator and remained popular even after his retirement through his regular radio programmes and newspaper articles. Those who knew him well will remember him for his deep knowledge of Church and current affairs, his love of literature and his sense of humour.

Joe Grech, Maltese bishop in Australia, died December 28, aged 62.

Mgr Grech was ordained bishop in 1999 and installed as the sixth bishop of Sandhurst two years later. Popular especially with the local community of Victoria, Australia, he was responsible for emigrants, refugees and young people on behalf of the Australian Episcopal Conference.

Philip Muscat, former minister, died December 31, aged 80.

Mr Muscat was elected MP in all elections between 1962 and 1987. He served as Education Minister and introduced the worker-student scheme.