Twenty-two years ago, someone told me, “You will notice him from miles away. You can’t miss him with his white beard, constantly shouting down the phone and walking around as if he’s God. He’s demanding”. I remember walking away from the interview saying to myself “I don’t need that”. But somehow, after praying for guidance, and despite my reservations and fears (as I was fairly timid and shy), I somehow found myself working as his PA and there I stayed by his side, right until the end. Often I am asked how I manage to work for him so long when he can be ‘impossible’ and ‘demanding’ and calls me 24/7. How could I not manage? He was selfless, generous and genuinely over caring to a fault. He never refused to help anyone who asked. Yes, he could be hard work, but so was I. It went both ways. Giris inspired me in so many ways; gave me countless opportunities, taught me so many things, filled me with wisdom and most of all, I knew he always watched my back. It didn’t matter what time of day it was, I always knew he was only a phone call away. I have so many stories and events I could share, but I would need a library to store them all. One very important one to me, I will share…At my weakest moment, at my toughest time, he was there. He was afraid of nothing, as long as he wanted to do something, he’d do it. When my father was unwell and lost his appetite, Giris remembered he loved coconut water. What does he do? He buys not one coconut, but a whole box. He brings it to the hospice and offers it to him. How would we crack it open? Don’t worry, Giris has come prepared. He goes to the car, pulls out a cleaver and starts to hack it open. My family stand there in awe thinking, wow, that man is fearless and amazing!! He’s driving around with a cleaver in the car!! None of us will ever forget the smile of my frail father’s face as he sipped that coconut water. Priceless. I will miss him very dearly. He played a very big part of my life. Giris, may you rest in perfect peace. Nicola x