The news of the passing of our beloved French friend, Eric Defever, has cast a shadow of sadness over the island. Eric passed away yesterday while he was in his homeland, France. He was a man who loved Tsirigo and its people more than most, he dedicated his life to them and, always smiling, lived, worked, and raised his family on the island, always sharing his warm smile with us.
Our condolences to his family and loved ones.
Eric Defever came to Kythira with his wife Florence and their daughter Vanilia in the early 2000s. He bought Rizomarkos’s business in Kapsali. In a short time, the “Vanilia” creperie became a go-to spot for residents of Kapsali and Tsirigo, as well as visitors to the island. In 2018, the creperie changed hands. Eric moved to Chora and has been working for the past five years at Café Vengera on Stai Square.
Always creative and active, Eric Defever served as president of the local Kapsali association during a period when a series of important cultural and entertainment events were organized. The Music Festivals, concerts, environmental initiatives, Kapsali’s Blue Flag certification, the tourist map, the T-shirts featuring the «Chytra,» and the beautification of public spaces all bore Eric’s “signature.” This Frenchman, who loved Kythira like few others, was never afraid to stand up for what he believed was best for the island; he was not afraid to speak openly about what was right or wrong.
Eric's passing is a great and irreplaceable loss to the island.
