Philip Farrugia Randon, 'dedicated patriot' and creator of Puttinu, dies aged 76
Lawyer was known for his multifaceted career
Updated 11.25am
Renowned author, artist and philanthropist Philip Farrugia Randon has died at the age of 76.
A lawyer by profession, Farrugia Randon was known for his multifaceted career, and was renowned for his proficient writings.
Philip with his wife, Helen, performing charitable works with the SMOM in Lourdes.He graduated as a notary in 1972 and lawyer in 1973 while also working in radio and TV broadcasting.
A practicing watercolourist and art expert, he has written extensively on artists like Caravaggio and JMW Turner, authoring books such as Caravaggio in Malta, Caravaggio – Knight of Malta, and Turner’s Malta Watercolours. He is also a published poet and was a regular writer for Times of Malta.
In 2004, Farrugia Randon was appointed president of the Cana Movement and in 2005 he was made a member of the National Order of Merit.
Farrugia Randon was deeply involved with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, admitted as a Knight of Magistral Grace in 2000 and serving as president of its association. He created the character Puttinu for a children's book, which inspired the major charity Puttinu Cares supporting patients with serious illnesses.
Tributes have already started pouring in. Archbishop Charles Scicluna described him as "a loyal friend, a true gentleman, a dedicated patriot, a cherished husband and father."
European Parliament president Roberta Metsola wrote: “Anyone who spent even five minutes with Philip Farrugia Randon knew that his sense of humor, intellect, and determination went hand in hand with his love for Malta’s art and culture.”