It was around 5 p.m. of August 12 when I needed some information about Guido de Marco and decided to look for it on the internet. I was stunned and could not believe my eyes, when I read: Malta was thrown into mourning today with the passing away of Guido de Marco, etc, etc.
In the morning, I had read what there was written about him in the day’s papers, and I thanked God that the 79-year-old young-at-heart President Emeritus was once again on his feet back home enjoying the company of his beloved wife Violet, children and grandchildren. But unfortunately, that was not to be for long as on Thursday, August 12, at around 4.30 p.m., he passed away.
Prof. De Marco had an illustrious career. He served Malta as Member of Parliament, Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Republic, besides numerous other very important achievements both locally and abroad, very hard to list. He was considered by all who knew him as having a very strong character (the lion-hearted), but otherwise a sweet person, with a very wide and becoming smile.
I have known him since the early 1960s, since the days I met my late husband Arthur, of 39 years. They were both active in politics, at the time with the Nationalist Democratic Party headed by Dr Herbert Ganado. Guido and Violet were also present on our wedding day and I still have at home their wedding gift.
With the passing of years, Guido and Arthur’s paths differed but they remained the best of friends. My husband passed away on January 19, 2001 during Guido’s tenure of office as President. I remember that as soon as the news reached him, he called to say how sorry he was, that he had lost one of his best friends and that he was sure that Adeodata Pisani welcomed him with open arms. On Sunday, January 21 at around 9.45 a.m., he called me again to say that he couldn’t be present at Arthur’s funeral as he had strict orders from his doctor to remain at home for a complete rest. In fact, I clearly remember that he was admitted to hospital the following day. He went on to say that he sent flowers to the church because he wanted to make his presence felt. That was Guido de Marco.
The last time I spoke to him and his wife was just after Joseph Calleja’s grand concert at the Floriana Granaries on July 25. To two of my daughters, Cecilia and Antonella, who were with me at that moment, he said: “Your father was a very dear friend of mine. He was the one who worked very hard for Adeodata’s beatification”.
Following the publication of my letter in The Times, about his autobiography The Politics of Persuasion which he published in 2007 and in which he wrote: “To Emily Barbaro-Sant with so many memories. 11.01.2008”, he wrote me a lovely letter of thanks. Then we spoke on the telephone and he accepted my invitation for an afternoon tea. Sorry to say, it did not materialise due to various commitments on both sides.
I sincerely hope that the wonderful words he uttered just after his release from hospital, i.e. that he feels born again, that life is beautiful, the tender words he said about his loving wife, will remain in our minds and hearts. More so, I sincerely wish that these words reach the ears of today’s young generation and instil in them the desire to keep away from bad company, from drugs and from other illicit behaviour detrimental to their life and health.
Guido de Marco is physically not anymore but his memory and his wonderful last words will remain in our hearts to cherish for as long as we live. “Life is beautiful. Enjoy it”. He used to love saying.
Our sincere condolences go to his beloved wife Violet, to his children Giannella, Fiorella and Mario and their families. I am sure you feel proud of your dear father Guido. May God grant him eternal rest.