Anthony Stivala writes...
Lino was a colleague, an architect and civil engineer. As students we were at university together. Soon after graduating he was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship at the University of British Columbia where he obtained his Masters after two years.
After some time he married Jane, a Canadian, and began practising as an architect in Calgary. Hespecialised in designing shopping malls and also designed a library.
However, before he left Malta, he had created a design for a chapel at the relatively new University of Malta at Tal-Qroqq. William Micallef was the architect responsible for the building of the St Thomas More chapel, in accordance with Lino’s design. Fairly recently it was listed and became officially part of the Maltese heritage.
Lino was born in Floriana and lived in Valletta. I was born in Valletta and lived in Floriana. We became friends in our late teens and we used to meet often in Valletta, together with Vincent Buttigieg, at that time a student in his course.
About three years ago, Lino developed heart trouble and as a result had to forgo travelling to Malta to be present at his father’s funeral, because of the distance of air travel involved.
Recently, Lino developed brain cancer. He was operated on a number of times before he succumbed to his illness.
Lino passed away on the third anniversary of his father’s demise. His mother passed away a week before he did.
Lino lived close to the Carmelite Church in Valletta. His uncle was a Carmelite priest who had encouraged Lino to further his studies abroad.
After some time in Calgary he and Jane joined a lay Carmelite movement. Gradually both of them became more deeply involved. Lino was always loyal to his Catholic faith and the Carmelite movement helped him and Jane to get closer to God.
I pray that Lino is nearing the end of this journey – if not already there – and finding the eternal peace he and Jane always strived for.
Condolences to his wife Jane, and to his sisters Monica and Mariella, together with their respective families.
A Mass is being held for the repose of Lino’s soul on Sunday, February 28, at noon at the University chapel. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.