We said farewell to them

Annetto Depasquale, auxiliary bishop, died on November 29, aged 73.

Ordained a priest in 1962, Mgr Depasquale became vicar general and deputy to Archbishop Joseph Mercieca in 1989. He was ordained auxiliary bishop in 1999. Once viewed as a possible successor to Mgr Mercieca, Mgr Depasquale suffered serious ill health which kept him away from his duties for several months. Although he eventually returned to duty, he never fully recovered. In January 2007, Archbishop Paul Cremona nominated him vicar general.

Daniel Reginiano, businessman, died on October 5, aged 51.

The well-known entrepreneur co-built the successful Time International from scratch on the strength of giant brands like Nike and Swatch. He was also known for organising the popular Joy Parties in the 1990s. The self-confessed health aficionado had in recent years taken to farming. He died suddenly at his home.

Renato Agius Muscat, Natio­nalist MP, died on January 8, aged 72.

Mr Agius Muscat served as Nationalist MP between 1987 and 1992, as well as party whip before serving as Żabbar mayor between 1995 and 1997. In 1996, he was one of the recipients of a commemorative medal to mark the 75th anniversary of the re-introduction of self-government.

Charlie Muscat, footballer, died on January 13, aged 48.

A prolific goalscorer who helped transform Żurrieq FC into one of the top Maltese teams of the 1980s, Mr Muscat died on his 48th birthday. Muscat was named MFA Player of the Year in the 1983-1984 season, when he was the league’s joint top scorer. He played five times with the national team, scoring two goals.

George Hyzler, former minister and Acting President, died on January 20, aged 85.

A long-serving Nationalist MP and doctor, he served as Parliamentary Secretary for Health between 1987 and 1992 and as Minister for Social Policy between 1992 and 1995. He was also Acting President several times between 1999 and 2009. Starting his political career in 1962, he was successful in all subsequent elections, until 1992. Among other prestigious posts, Dr Hyzler served as Malta’s ambassador to Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In 1998 he was awarded the National Order of Merit.

Emanuel Gerada, archbishop, died on January 21, aged 90.

Mgr Gerada was influential in mediating in the ongoing dispute between the Church and the Labour Party in the 1960s. In 1967 he was consecrated auxiliary to Archbishop Michael Gonzi. Bishop Gerada had a long career in the Holy See’s diplomatic service, serving as charge d’affairs or apostolic nuncio in nine countries. Mgr Gerada retired in Malta in 1995.

Freddie Micallef, former Lab­our minister, died on April 7, aged 72.

A long-standing member of parliament, Mr Micallef was first elected to Parliament in 1966. Between 1974 and 1987, Mr Micallef was minister respon­sible for industry, labour and social services. In 1997 he was awarded the National Order of Merit. Mr Micallef was also an advisor to then Labour leader Alfred Sant – a close friend – after the 2003 election.

Frans Sammut, author, died on May 4, aged 65.

Mr Sammut first gained recognition in the late 1960s when he co-founded the Moviment Qawmien Letterarju – the Literary Revival Movement. He has published numerous works, among which the best-selling novels Il-Gaġġa (1971) and Ħrejjef Żminjietna (2000). He edited Mikiel Anton Vassalli’s Lexicon (2002), and in 2006, his translation of Vassalli’s Motti, Aforismi e Proverbii Maltesi (1828). From 1996 to 1998 he was appointed cultural consultant to then Prime Minister Alfred Sant.

John Spiteri, former AFM commander, died on June 1, aged 80.

Appointed Commander in 1979, he headed the service at a difficult time when important sections were hived off to form the Task Force. In 1987, following the change of gov­ern-­ment, he was given additional duties of Commander of the Police Force until 1988. He was promoted to Brigadier in 1988. In 1989, he was assaulted and injured during a parade at the foot of the Freedom Monument in Vittoriosa. He retired from the army in 1991 and later served on various bodies.

Bro. Louis Camilleri, former provincial of De La Salle Brothers, died on May 29, aged 88.

Bro. Louis joined the De La Salle Brothers just before the Second World War and taught gene­rations of boys. He was director of both De La Salle and Stella Maris colleges as well as St Benild School, and went on to serve as provincial, a term which coincided with the dispute over Church schools.

Annabelle Vassallo, died on January 23, aged 39.

The cancer sufferer touched the heart of the nation with her zest for life, and left an inspirational legacy of hope, courage and spirituality that will live on beyond her death. Just a month before her death, Ms Vassallo took The Sunday Times readers on a journey of emotions. She succumbed to cancer after a four-year battle.

Mary Fenech Adami, former First Lady, died on July 8, aged 77.

The former First Lady died a few days after collapsing at Girgenti Palace during the wedding reception of the Prime Minister’s son. Although the former First Lady has been described by many as a humble and exemplary woman, who often shunned the limelight, she was regarded as her husband’s pillar of strength throughout his lengthy political career. She endured difficult times, including being beaten up when Socialist thugs smashed into her family’s home during the infamous Black Monday in 1979.

John Walsh, coach, died on September 17, aged 56.

A co-founder of the Malta Marathon, he died while jogging at Għajn Tuffieħa. Mr Walsh is credited with the growth of the popularity of road running in Malta, especially with his regular articles in The Times. He guided his then future wife Carol Galea to a series of athletic medals.

George Fenech, artist, died on August 21, aged 85.

Best known for his paintings of Maltese landscapes, Mr Fenech started studying art at the School of Arts under the watchful eye of Emvin Cremona and Vincent Apap. He was awarded the National Order of Merit in 2010.

Joseph Casha, artist, died on June 24, aged 71.

Mr Casha’s works of art vary widely in media. Besides being a sculptor and ceramist, Casha was also a designer of postage stamps and posters. He was head of the School of Art where he taught sculpture even after his retirement.