Franco Mercieca writes...

It is a very strange feeling to be putting pen to paper for an obituary of Ino Attard.

His demise has taken Gozo, especially the business community, by surprise, to say the least. His 40-year stint in business, mainly on the little island of Gozo, has been packed with successes.

Together with his lifelong business partner, Lino, he managed to build the real estate business in Gozo as we know it today. The farmhouses and converted townhouses that many of us and tourists savour have all been their brainchild. Many have followed suit and flourished since then but the tricks of the trade were set by them.

This all happened in spite of losing his father while in his teens.

We got to know him over the last 10 years as a restaurateur. His energy and verve were unmatchable. His eyes lit when he recounted his toils and future plans to improve on what he had already achieved. Very shrewd and smart indeed.

He always had good advice to pass on. He adored his wife and children.

Ino was one of a kind.

He will be sadly missed but most definitely remembered by his dear wife, Mary Grace, his children , family and many a friend, of whom one stands out as his soulmate, Lino.

Ino, thank you for the many evenings you have created for us with so much passion, not forgetting the trademark flambé.

We will miss you dearly, Ino. Till we meet again.