The term ‘an officer and a gentleman’ is often misused but it certainly would not be the case when used for my good friend and former colleague Major Edward Xuereb. As a former Royal Malta Artillery officer he was a gentleman to the core.

Although he was of a later generation we became very close friends when as chairman of the Malta Union Club my committee appointed him secretary and he turned out to be one of the finest secretaries the club has ever had, so much so that after my retirement from the chairmanship he went on to serve two terms as chairman during the difficult times when the new club premises were being built. I know he was also a leading member of the RMA Association.

Even when he was struck with illness he continued to serve the club and its members in a most efficient manner. With his dear wife Astrid beside him he became the backbone of the club.

He returned to the chairmanship of the club he loved so much at a time when his experience was needed.

I last met Edward about a year ago but although he was using a walking stick (like me!) to get around he was his cheerful happy self, but eventually had to retire as chairmanship of the Union Club.

My condolences to Astrid and to his close family. Edward will be missed by many and remembered by many more. He was truly an officer and a gentleman. He will surely rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.