Joseph Buttigieg writes...

A few days before he died, we were informed that our dear Ziju Victor, as he was affectionately known, had been admitted to hospital urgently. His condition was grave and, actually, within a few days, on May 7, he lost his fight for his life.

People from all walks of life, including politicians, professionals and people from the world of sport, have been well looked after during their stay in Sydney and thereabout due to his personal interest and efforts to make their stay a memorable one. He was extremely proud of his new country of adoption and, especially, of the great city of Sydney and, while showing one around, one could notice the pride in his voice.

But he was not just a tourist guide but, first and foremost, a pioneer, one of the first Maltese migrants to travel to Australia in the early 1950s. The beginning was difficult and, later, following his own life experiences, he took it upon himself to support those Maltese migrants who had early difficulties when settling in Australia.

He was very much involved with the setting up of the Maltese community in the social sphere, sports and entertainment, the ultimate aim being unity among the Maltese of Australia. Like other early migrants he worked hard and was successful in setting up family that now is in the third generation and also benefitted from the fruit of his work.

We cannot exclude the love for his country. Together with dear aunt Adelaide, his wife and supporter throughout life, he visited Malta 19 times and was looking forward, even though advanced in age, to return in 2018.

This “great gentleman”, as he was described by the Voice of the Maltese, an online paper targeting in particular the Maltese community in Australia, will long be remembered by his family, relatives and friends and taken as an example of a hard-working man of principles and a pillar of the community.