Loyal to the very end

Court usher John Mangion was feeling unwell on Friday but he insisted on working till the end and before he left he turned to his colleagues and said “thank you for looking after me” – the next day he was dead.

Court staff reporting to work yesterday were confronted with the sad news that the unassuming usher with a “heart of gold” and a funny story to tell had passed away.

John Mangion, 57, affectionately known as Johnny, died on Saturday after suffering a heart attack. He had served the judiciary and the legal system for 17 years, during which he was rarely seen without a smile.

Mr Mangion, an avid billiard player, was employed as an usher with Magistrate Neville Camilleri where he would ensure the smooth running of proceedings.

Magistrate Camilleri, who said he had the pleasure of working with Mr Mangion for 16 months, described him as having a big heart, while colleagues fondly remembered his loyalty to the courts.

Joe Schembri, a court bailiff, said he cried when he found out a treasured member of the staff had died.

Mr Mangion turned up for work on Friday even though he was feeling rather unwell. Audrey Buttigieg and Marica Mifsud, who used to see him almost every day, told him to go home and get some rest but instead he decided to stay until his job was done.

Just before leaving their office for the last time, he turned to them and thanked them for looking after him.

Court ushers Jean Paul Mizzi and Simon Amato said he would help out and was always ready to work.

Retired Judge Joseph Galea Debono recalled how Mr Mangion would turn up to help his team during trials by jury even after working hours.

Criminal Courts director Joseph Sacco said the building had lost a unique employee.

“He was the type of person who wouldn’t grumble, even if he was told to go on an errand to Mellieħa 15 minutes before his day was up. He was loyal to whoever he served,” he added.

Mr Mangion’s funeral Mass will be held today at Sta Lucia parish church at 8.30 a.m.