George was 'a giant in character'

George Bonello Dupuis was a "giant in character and in the principles he practised" according to Fr Michael Agius, a family friend who delivered the homily during his funeral yesterday.

Dr Bonello Dupuis, a former Nationalist Finance Minister and High Commissioner in London, passed away on Friday afternoon aged 82.

It was a sombre moment and silence shrouded the congregation when his friends and former colleagues - Speaker Louis Galea and former Nationalist ministers Michael Falzon and Ninu Zammit, among others - carried the coffin into the St Julians parish church.

Hundreds flocked to say their last goodbyes, some arriving more than an hour before the service, as others stood listening outside the church doors.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were President George Abela and his predecessors, Eddie Fenech Adami, Guido de Marco and Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.

Also present were Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat, flanked by serving and former MPs from both sides of the House, as well British High Commissioner Louise Stanton.

"God has called him to live with him for eternity," said Fr Agius in his homily.

"Throughout his life, he was loyal and faithful to God, his wife Iris and his children Etienne, George and Solange," he continued.

"I have the honour to say I have known him for many years. He was a man of vision, a man who aspires. Lately, he used to mention his grandchildren a lot; he invested greatly in them.

"He was a gift to the country and to its people and we are here to thank God for this present he gave us... I'm sure that the things you did have pleased God."