Joe Abdilla, Livy Tabone Valletta and Grace Ann Cachia write:
It was an enriching experience to know and work with John, whose interests went beyond his professional and trade-unionist activities. He was a true gentleman, a loyal colleague, an indefatigable ex-MUBE president.
He was graced with a fine intellect, an avid reader, a lover of music, nature, art, history – the list can go on and on. Maybe we can also mention his fine sense of humour, elegant irony, his ability at being happy and joyful about the little pleasures of life and the beauty he saw all around him.
John was equally comfortable discussing Homer, Marx, Tchaikovsky, Michelangelo, the stars, geology, wine-making as well as the simplest of topics such as how best to cultivate capers or brine olives. His interests were diverse; suffice it to say that on retirement he added farming to his span of activities and was so proud of his new pastime.
This complicated but essentially simple and modest man was always available to offer good counsel and practical support. He relentlessly used his natural talents and virtues, which he nurtured with extensive reading and deep reflection, for our benefit – whatever our role – be it colleague, subordinate, superior, friend or family.
He would often be seen discussing, arguing or making his point, usually initiating with an unconventional statement – his interlocutor(s) being the most common of colleagues/friends or the most high-ranking officials, whom he met through his many activities.
We owe this fine gentleman a lot. Through his clear, strategic thinking, coupled with his economics background and philosophical perspectives, banking sector employees reaped and continue to benefit from his achievements striven for during decades of front-line and behind-the-scenes activity.
His style was that of an ‘elegant giant’, convinced of his position after deep reflection, argued solidly and with perseverance, supported by energetic yet unfailingly ethical behaviour, always promoting the collective good and never seeking personal advancement. He was respected and admired by all.
At this sad moment, when we are all coming to terms with his demise, we dedicate this extract (II Peter: 1.5-7), so aptly penned as if it were meant for him, in his honour and memory: “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
Our deepest sympathy goes to all his family – both immediate and beyond, who did their very best for him up to the end.
John is finally at peace. May patience and understanding guide us all on this untimely loss. In ebbing away the pain of his departure, let us feel solace at having been enriched by his presence.