The unexpected death of George Grech stunned family and friends and others who had come into contact with him.

St Dominic’s church, in Rabat was full to capacity.

George was first and foremost a family man. Fr Lino Grech, who officiated at the requiem Mass, made this point quite clearly. George belonged to the old school where religion was concerned.

He devoted his working life to education. Until his retirement, he served as the headmaster of the Junior Lyceum. Both the parents and the education authorities appreciated his interest in the progress of the students and the administration of the school.

At every social function he attended he was sure to be approached by former students. That showed his popularity.

He was also a philanthropist, a founder member of ALPS (Association of Lyceum Past Students) and an organiser of charitable activities, including the annual cycling marathons.

Best of all, he was a loyal friend. My wife and I can vouch for that. We had been close friends since the late 1950s as also were so many others.

On topics of discussion he was prepared to evaluate the arguments and come to a compromise.

One must praise the tenacity of his wife, Mary Rose née Sciortino, especially during the difficult days in Mater Dei Hospital.

His admired qualities were his endemic sense of humour, his captivating smile and his boisterous laughter at his own jokes. The reverberating sound of each still echoes in our house.

In the name of all his friends, we would like to extend our sympathy to Mary Rose, his daughters, his sons and grandchildren.

We all say: here was a gentleman never to be forgotten.