Many years ago, Antoine Cachia Caruana was my mathematics teacher and sports master at St Edward’s College. I can proudly admit that he helped me no end in my character formation.

Over many years, I would often visit Cachia Caruana at his house,during his retirement, generally at noon. Over a glass of red wine and a few bites, we talked about old times and old boys. Many names would come up and I was always amazed at his memory of almost all old boys. He was always interested to know what they were up to; any news about the college and the old boys would brighten his day.

I would remind Cachia Caruana that, academically, I was nothing to write home about but, with a smile, he would look up and tell me: “Eddie, what’s important in life is character; what in Maltese we would say is irġulija. The virtues of life are respect, discipline, manners, honesty; being a gentleman. That’s the lesson of life, Eddie.”

Cachia Caruana constantly taught us the importance of these values as the strengths that help us go through the ebb and flow of life, work, love, family.

His influence helped all of us in our lives; that was a very common comment of the old boys I met since he died. Our lives have been richer for having been influenced by Cachia Caruana.

He was passionate about the college over the many years during which he educated several generations of students, even since his retirement. He was really ‘Mr St Edward’s’.

Thank you, Sir. Throughout my life, I have met many people, but only a handful of  gentlemen. Sir, you were one of these few.

I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone to meet the Lord, he remains ever in our memories and characters.