Victim of coronavirus the well-known expatriate fell Vasilis Kardamitsis who died suddenly on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 1, plunging his family into mourning and sending shockwaves through the Greek community in Australia.
He was only 69 years old and in excellent health.
«It was all so sudden,» his son Spyros told us, and continued:
«On January 4, he was admitted to the hospital and a few days later (on January 8) to the intensive care unit. Unfortunately, the coronavirus affected his lungs.. The coronavirus went away, but our dad never got better. He passed away. It's really hard for all of us. We can't believe he's gone so soon.
Vasilis Kardamitsis was born in Corfu and emigrated to Australia in 1969.
He was a successful businessman and was involved in various businesses.
He was also a devoted family man. He married the love of his life. Zacharo, with whom they had three children. Anna, Spyros, and Nikos, who gave them a total of seven grandchildren.
When the doctors decided that Vasilis' condition was irreversible, they allowed all members of his family to visit him for the last time last Sunday.
His funeral will take place next week.
Vasilis Kardamitsis, besides being a worthy family man and successful businessman, was also an active member of the community for decades. His death certainly leaves a huge void.
He was one of the pioneers of the founding of Parish of the Presentation in Coburg, President of the Union of Communities and Parishes of the Archdiocese, an important member of St. John's College« while he served other community organizations with dedication.
He was also responsible for the implementation of the Vasiliada retirement home project in Fawkner, a project of which he was particularly proud.
The water blessing ceremonies in Fota, which took place in the port of Melbourne with tens of thousands of expatriates, or the Greek Festival of the Parish of Ypapanti in Coburg, which was attended on several occasions by the Australian Prime Minister himself, Bob Hawke, along with the entire political leadership of the country and of Victoria.
Also, was a member of the Australian Labor Party and was even a candidate for Wills' seat after former Prime Minister Bob Hawke resigned.
Dozens of his friends have posted messages on Facebook expressing their condolences and praising the deceased for his contribution to the community.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ARCHBISHOP
«It is with deep human sorrow that we learned of the untimely passing of Vasilios Kardamitsis, an active member of the Greek community in Australia, who for many years rendered important services to our local Church.
The deceased was one of the pioneers in establishing the Parish of the Presentation of the Lord in Coburg, Melbourne, and served as President of the Association of Communities and Parishes of Victoria, President of the Greek Orthodox College of St. John Preston, and advisor to the «Vasileiada» Organization of our Holy Archdiocese in Melbourne.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, the Most Reverend Bishops and the Holy Clergy of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, pray that God will rest his soul and grant comfort from above to his family and loved ones.»
