I consider myself fortunate to have known Sam Farrugia. In spite of the sadness and the grief I feel…we all feel… at Sam's passing…I am grateful for having known him in his lifetime. I also feel it is appropriate to reflect and celebrate his life by sharing some of the happy memories of him, which enriched our lives.

A couple of days ago I visited the Farrugia family to pay my respects and give whatever support they may have required. In the course of recalling many memories and recollections of him, as we sat around the table, we found ourselves smiling at some of the stories and happy memories of Sam at his best. I discovered things about Sam I had not known before. Conversely, it occurred to me that some of my recollections where new, even to members of his family.I remember Sam's daughter Katie remarking this was a side she did not know of her Dad. That is understandable…because at home, Sam was a dedicated husband to his wife Mary, and a loving father to Marcella, Katie and Stephen and their families... But out in the community, he was a men's man, a popular bloke, and a much sought after tradesman, craftsman, guitar builder, guitar player and a man blessed with many gifts and talents.

In providing for his family he worked as a fitter, as a mechanic, a carpenter, a painter, as a tiler, semi-trailer owner-driver and the list goes on. Whatever he took on he did well. He set high standards for his family and was very proud of their achievements.

Sam's low key personality would not allow his all round skills to become widely known, but to those close to him, he had a reputation for precision and perfection. While he helped many people and gave of his time generously, he was almost embarrassed by any demonstration of too much gratitude or fuss. From my point of view as a musician, I consider Sam to be one of the best guitar makers I have ever met. His quest for perfection was on-going. While he made some superb guitars, he never stopped in his quest to make the perfect instrument. And I know he felt he might run out of time before he achieved his goal. Yet you only have to look at the set we are playing today to know the high standard of craftsmanship he was capable of.

When Sam was still well, his workshop on a Saturday afternoon was almost like a meeting place for his friends and colleagues. His wife Mary would be coming in and out with trays of coffee and cake, and Sam would hold court, surrounded by friends from many fields, discussing all sort of topics. Work, fishing, music and often giving advice to someone who might be constructing a house extension or doing general improvements. Many of his friends sought his advice…and Sam gladly gave it. Many times he even attended the work-site personally to lend his expert touch. There was one unwritten rule however, if Sam came to help, he immediately was assumed to be the boss. This was never stated or demanded by him, but it was something, which was mutually understood by all. They knew if Sam was on the job, all angles were covered.

Sam was good a sizing up a situation, but was kind and tactful at the same time. I remember I would occasionally call him for advice when I would take on a handyman's task, at home, such as fitting a deadlock to my front door. Knowing I was limited in such skills, his standard reply would be: "Leave everything, make a cup of coffee, I'll be there in twenty minutes".

Among many other constructions Sam built his own 2-foot-fibreglass Cabin cruiser. He also built his own aviary. He always had a favorite bird, which he trained to talk, go up a small ladder he made for him, and practically let him take over the whole workshop.

I remember visiting when my daughters were very young, and the look in their eyes at the sight of multi colored lorikeet, flying over their shoulders, and eating out of their hands, while uttering words Sam had thought it. At the same time the marine radio would be tuned in the boat parked in the workshop. He would be tuning a guitar, holding a conversation and the telephone would ring every five minutes.

Sam was a highly sought after guitar accompanist in Maltese Folklore Music. He gave generously of his time and played in many Folklore masses, and other sessions, backing Maltese Folklore singers. He represented this music in international exhibitions such as the one, which was held at the Hilton some years ago. Once again his guitars were a hit among the international musicians in that instance.

When Dr. Barry York was doing research for his project Maltese Folklife, he sent the head archivist in The Australian National Library of Canberra to interview Sam on his life and expertise in guitar construction. The audio interview he did with Kevin Bradley is now filed in the archives of the National Library, which in itself is an insight to Sam as a guitar maker, but also as a guitarist and representative of Maltese Folklore Music in Australia. Many future students will learn from Sam's detailed explanations, of his unique skills… so even after leaving us, his legacy will live on.

I could go on indefinitely but time does not permit.

In the last months Sam fought bravely against insurmountable odds. His determination and strength of mind kept him going for a lot longer than predicted. His family never left his side in the last weeks he spent in hospital.

When his time came, he left this world peacefully, with his wife Mary at his side.

There is so much more to say and recall, but I can almost imagine Sam looking at his watch with that familiar look.

Sam was much loved by his family and his friends…

His passing leaves a great void in our hearts…

He will be long remembered with affection…

Manuel Casha 28/10/2002