Writing a tribute to someone you consider a member of your family is not easy. Tears begin to roll down my cheeks before my hands even hit the keyboard. So much I want to say….yet I’m lost for words.
Sunday 21st February 2021 was a sad day not only for the family of Neophytos Nicolaou, but for the UK Cypriot community as a whole. And for me personally, I’ve lost not only a friend, a koumbaro, and a colleague, but someone I looked up to as a father; someone who was always there to guide and support me, give advice when needed, and who would always call or text to see if I was ok. Those calls and messages have stopped…I’m heartbroken. It’s still so hard to accept he is no longer with us, even today as he is laid to rest.
When I walked into Parikiaki newspaper’s offices as a 14-year-old on work experience, Neophyto took me under his wing and treated me like a daughter. I could go to him with any problem I had, however big or small – he was always there ready to listen and help in any way he could.
We would laugh together – I’d tease him that he wasn’t tech-savvy, and he’d mock me for not being able to bake all the Cypriot pastries he loved.
We cried together, especially during the dark period of losing his beloved daughter Maria to cancer at the age of 46.
We worked well together, particularly around the time the Cypriot Wine Festival was approaching. He was a perfectionist and liked things done a specific way, and over the years I’d got to know those ways, and so he’d only ever have to ask once.
These, and so many other memories, I will cherish forever.
I will miss his sweet embrace when he walked into the office, the look on his face when he wanted a favour (how could I ever say no to him!), getting annoyed with him when he’d have two phone conversations going on at the same time, and the little things, like a box of Ferrero Rocher on my desk every International Women’s Day. He was a true gentleman. And don’t just take my word for it, all you have to do is look at some of the tributes left for him to realise what a wonderful person he was…
We have lost the best person you could ever have the privilege of meeting and knowing.
He was the most genuine, empathetic and supportive person…Always a smile for everyone.
He was simply the greatest… no one like him.
An amazing man with a pure heart who helped everyone he could. Your warm heart and charisma will never be forgotten.
He was one of the best gentlemen I came across…always polite and with integrity.
Very likely the nicest man I have ever met.
Such a gentleman, always made time to talk to you.
Neophytos was such a huge person amid the Cypriot Community for so many years. Such a likeable family man.
A lovely, kind, warm and friendly gentleman and a legend in our community.
An amazing soul and the kindest man…the world and our community has lost an honourable legend.
A kind soul and really supportive… his footprints will leave a lasting legacy.
Born on 11 December 1946, in Erimi, Cyprus, Neophytos came to the UK in May 1963 at the age of 16. He married his wife Evoulla in 1969 and they settled in Palmers Green.
Neophytos worked in the rag trade for several years and later became General Manager of Parikiaki and one of the main organisers of the Cypriot Wine Festival.
He then became Organising Secretary for AKEL in Britain and was General Secretary and a member of the Executive Committee of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK.
In his later years, Neophytos was instrumental in raising thousands of pounds for charity, notably Radiomarathon, where he was made a Trustee.
In his memory, Parikiaki newspaper is raising funds to be donated to charities and organisations Neophytos held close to his heart. Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/neophytos-nicolaou.
My deepest condolences to Evoulla, Egli, Stelios, Alex, Helen, Jimmy, Stephanie, Leo, Zoe, Evie, Chris, and all the family. Neophytos will never be forgotten.
Sleep tight and may God bless your beautiful soul. It was a privilege knowing you and having you in my life. I love you and will always hold you close to my heart. May you Rest In Peace.
Your koumera xxx
