I was saddened when the news broke out in Siġġiewi that Maurice Tanti Burlò passed away at the age of 78.

He was a friend for a long time as we were colleagues at Television House. The last position he held there was as deputy head of programmes at then Rediffusion.

He was a complete artist in his place of work, always wearing a smile and having a distinctive voice so recognizable on the airwaves at the time.

After leaving television he accomplished himself as a cartoonist, better known as Nalizpelra, demonstrating his talents in distinctive hard hitting, effective and humorous cartoons at Allied Newspapers.

He was loved for his eye-catching caricatures and many of those depicted in his work often saw it as an honour.

I still have vivid memories of the 1975 take-over of broadcasting when Maurice was unceremoniously kicked down the main stairs and ushered out of Television House building. Several other management officials went with him. He would never return to broadcasting again.

Occasionally, we met at the Siġġiewi square reminiscing about bygone days and discussing current issues. I think the atmosphere, fresh air and stillness of Siġġiewi helped him further develop his talents.

Once, he showed me his many marvellous works hanging on the walls of his residence, which I consider as a living museum.

He was a true gentleman, a man with many talents indeed. Farewell my friend and may I express my condolences to his wife, Elena, and their son, Sebastian.

As Times of Malta correctly said in an editorial, this year Malta said goodbye to four fantastic men who all made their contribution to public life and broadcasting; one was Maurice and the other three were Manni Spiteri, John Manduca and Lino Spiteri.