Claudia Galea writes:
This is an expression of recognition and gratitude to the late John Camilleri, who passed away on September 5. I was unable to attend the funeral due to the geographical distance of my home base.
As ‘Uncle John’ passes away, with him goes a long history of accomplishments, perseverance, generosity, kindness and honour.
While working hard throughout his life, his great respect and love for his family were ever so present. Notably, his chivalrous manners with his wife ‘Aunt Mary’, even in the midst of important meetings or high-pressured moments, were so admirable. His children and grandchildren were his pride.
John dedicated most of his life helping others succeed. He was the source of light for those who caught the limelight on national and international stages. He awakened the passion in each of us who dared to dream big. His mission has always been to help others achieve gracefully the good cause.
In the most amazing ways, he provided all those with a mission to serve, with the courage, braveness and perseverance required to succeed. The common theme for all of us who were fortunate enough to have John in our lives, luminaries and novices alike, is the overwhelming recognition that our victories are greatly attributed to him.
My successes are no less attributed to John’s kindness and generosity than all of those he served. He saw a glimpse of desire for greatness in my eyes, an unmistakable thirst for knowledge, and the necessary drive one needed to overcome all the obstacles that came in the way.
John cracked a door open, which I delicately slipped through and since then never looked back. He filled me with courage and confidence to pursue dreams I did not know I had. My life took me on a path that I would not have taken, if it were not for John.
But the most admirable and unforgettable part of this experience is the fact that John allowed me to savour my own successes without ever claiming any credit or recognition. We all know that our accomplishments, achievements and all other great things were made possible because of this honourable man – a man who gave us a light to shine on the world.
We will forever carry forward this light because like John, we believe that life is meant for great things.
May he rest in peace.