Farewell to our Patriarch

Farewell to our Patriarch

John DesyllasThe photo to the left is my father sitting on a bench in Elder Park, Adelaide the day after he arrived in Australia, having left my mother and their three children in Greece to seek opportunities in Australia. He is a man filled with hopes and dreams. Circa early 1956.

With hard work, sacrifice, and a vision for his family, and with much dedication, a life was created in Australia, and it would take six and half year before my mother and their three children would be reunited.

We benefited from the choices and sacrifices my parents made, and have made them proud and happy. Together they lived a full life with their family, their community work, and lots of travel and shared experiences catching up on the lost years.

The days after my father passed away, we received over 120 people into his home where as a family we received condolences. As is customary in Greek Orthodox tradition, those visiting brought jars of Greek coffee, bottles of Brandy, and plates of Paximadia (Greek Lenten Sweet Rusks). These offerings help the family cater for the many visitors who will want to visit the grieving family, and also come in useful for serving at the wake and other memorial services.

John DesyllasWe have farewelled our father to a standing room only service at St George Greek Orthodox Church and afterwards the wake and celebration of his life was held at the Elion Society “Olympic Flame’ Hall, where he was a founding member and has served the community continuously for 45 years. Over 320 people came to the hall to share in a meal, drink to his memory and to honour our father.

He was a loved and devoted father of 5, adored pappou of 17, and a cherished great-pappou of 22. A true gentleman, a patriarch, a father and a friend ❤

As a family we are honoured that so many people came to pay their respects, and some travelled from far away and interstate to do so.

He will be missed deeply.

Eugenia xx