Maj. Ivan M. Consiglio, AFM Rtd, writes:
I did not want to let another day pass without taking a moment to express my deepest appreciation for John A. Mizzi, known better in scouting circles as ‘Cubbie’.
Several of my age peers and friends will concur that Cubbie was a persistent and relentless individual who had taken upon himself the often difficult and challenging task of leading us, a countless bunch of growing lads in the Scout Movement at St Aloysius College Group, with honour and a sense of a family’s collective soul.
He always gave us generosity of time and thoughtfulness in what he did for us.
The shock of his sudden loss these days has jolted us, especially after we saw him some weeks ago on a BBC TV documentary about the WWII siege of Malta.
As his scouts, we had together only recently celebrated his 86th birthday with many current or past scouts gathered around him.
Cubbie’s exemplary and inspirational life was a hard leadership act to follow. A true gentleman to the core, he would always debate politely even if one was in disagreement with him. And, above all, never holding grudges against those who had disagreed with him or may have wronged him.
Having his own inimitable and particular style in setting aims and achieving them, John has left an indelible mark on the lives of many and has indirectly also given a lot to Malta as well.
His integrity, not only as a top journalist, made him always search for the truth behind things, which gave added value to what he did and how he performed.
Irreplaceable and legendary, somebody out there might aptly say!
As a devoted group scout leader, he has inspired others to continue his legacy of scouting.
His positive influence and tremendous impact on youths was a driving inspiration for those of us who are blessed and lucky enough to know him.
He provided his scouts with fun-filled, interesting, exciting and wonderful experiences while showing his best hallmark of kind and reasonable strictness. This helped shape so many people’s lives, which, in turn, set them off on the right career path or other major life decisions.
We carry in our hearts his character formation of us young boys, now men in society, who will miss his distinct sense of humour.
Never concerned about himself, our Cubbie always projected life and energy in all projects he undertook. As a fellow (now also grey bearded) ex-scout chum of ours put it on a social media forum: “Unfortunately, a wonderful part of our past goes with him but, more importantly, a great load of wonderful memories will remain! And once a scout, always a scout!”
You left us so suddenly, your thoughts unknown, you left us memories, we are proud to own.
Thank you, Cubbie, once again for being there for us.