Fr Charles Cini, SDB, writes:

“But the just man, though he dies early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honourable comes not with the passing of time nor can it be measured in terms of years. Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; his soul was pleasing to God” - Book of Wisdom, Chapter 4.

These words from the Book of Wisdom are the most suitable for my friend Joseph Attard who passed away lately.

He was a good and sincere man loved by all his students, wherever he has been responsible for guiding them. He was a very good father, teacher, organiser, responsible for their education.

Since he was a creative man, he was not always understood by those around him. As head of the School of Art, he was able to raise the standards and to come up with new fields for the good of his students. The exchanges he organised with other schools from other countries prove his ability and openness to put the School of Art in Gozo on a very high European level.

He was a man of action. I worked with him for several years as president of the school council and I can prove what I am writing from personal experience.

Sometimes, he used to pay dearly for his principles. He suffered because of his weak health but he was psychologically and physically destroyed when the School of Art was removed from Għajnsielem, in a second destroying the empire he had built with so many sacrifices.

But he especially loved his dear family and he was loved in return. The harmony existing within themselves was a unique example to all.

But, above all, he was a man of faith; he used to leave all his plans in the hands of the Lord. And when his plans failed he would accept it with serenity and faith.

Dear Joseph, you left us and you are going to be missed a lot by your dear family, your friends and your students. The many art students guided by you, some of whom are today good artists, bear your imprint, which will live forever. They are a testimony to who Joseph Attard was.

May you rest in peace.