Well-known author Mikiel Spiteri passed away yesterday, a month before reaching his 91st birthday.

Born in Rabat in 1917 and known as Kilin since childhood, Mr Spiteri, who has seven children, 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, published a string of books in Maltese, which included novels and poetry. He was fluent in six languages and has published in other languages besides Maltese, including English and Spanish.

His best known work is Fuq l-Għajn ta' San Bastjan, a collection of childhood memories of the 1920s. His is also well-known for the book Wayside Chapels Of Malta And Gozo, which includes his own pen sketches of the chapels.

In December 2000, he was awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika. In 2002, he received the Premio Vicente Azzopardi, given to Maltese people who distinguish themselves in promoting Maltese-Spanish culture and in 2006, he was honoured for useful contribution to literature and books.

His book Kif Għedtlek Wenz won the literary award for non-fiction prose in 2002. Last year, he was awarded the National Book Prize as the personality that contributed in an indispensible way to the world of books.

National Book Council chairman Ġorġ Mallia said yesterday that Kilin's contribution to Maltese was in the form of accessible books.

He gave the country literary books that contributed originality to literature and were written in a way that made them accessible to everyone. Kilin gave the impression of simplicity when his thoughts were very profound and his style lively.

Dr Mallia said he knew Kilin personally and could describe him as a very sensitive person who extremely and religiously loved his country. He had an eye for small things and noted each and every detail. He was also one of the best watercolour painters in the country and painted most of his book covers.

Alexander Sciberras, the mayor of Msida, where Kilin used to live, described the late author as a humble, friendly and wise person. His was a loss not just for the people of Msida but for the whole country, he said.

Dr Sciberras said that although Kilin had been living in Msida for some years, he never wanted to be referred to as a Misidjan but as a Rabti, his love for Rabat remained with him throughout his life.

Dr Sciberras said that Kilin would be missed but his thoughts would continue to be shared through his books.

The Ministry of Education and Culture, the Nationalist Party, the Labour Party and Alternattiva Demokratika paid tribute to Kilin.

The Ministry of Education and Culture said that, apart from publishing various books with different themes and aimed at various strata of society, Kilin loved the Maltese language and insisted on its good use.

Kilin will be remembered for his writings, Minister Dolores Cristina said as she expressed solidarity with his family.

The PN said Kilin did not just get his message across through his writing but was also an author who considered how the Maltese language should be used. He raised awareness on the Maltese language and its importance to Maltese identity.

The MLP said the country had lost one of its best writers. Throughout his life, Kilin touched the heart and minds of many and did his utmost to see Maltese being strengthened and used better.

AD said that, through his numerous works, Kilin contributed to the enrichment of Maltese culture, history and identity. "All Maltese and Gozitans should be grateful to this prolific writer for his contribution towards our country's culture and literature," it said.

The National Book Council said Kilin gave a solid contribution to Maltese literature and the Maltese book scenario. Very often, he used to draw the Maltese people's attention to express themselves in good Maltese and, three years ago, he won the council's special prize for those who distinguished themselves in the world of books.

The council said Kilin was the author of several books that enriched Maltese literature with the environment and his faith being a common theme in his writings.

Kilin also had an excellent command of the Spanish language and enjoyed painting.

"The National Book Council salutes an author who, through his humility and simplicity, made our literature richer."