'They desired to spend time with those they loved': Gambins laid to rest

Lorraine and Jeremy Gambin, one of the two couples who lost their lives in a car crash in Croatia last week, were laid to rest on Saturday morning.

Their funeral was held at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Balluta, which was packed with mourners, including Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife, Lydia.

The Gambins were travelling with their best friends Kevin and Sandra Bonnici when they were all killed after their rented Land Rover Discovery veered off the D8 state road plunging off a cliff into the sea near Bunica, just south of Senj.  

The ceremony was led by Father Jean Gové, who reflected on the fragility of life and urged those present to consider how they were spending their time.

Mourner holding the couple's prayer card Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

“If we truly want to honour the memory of Jeremy and Lorraine, I would imagine them telling us, to look at our time. How do I spend my time, in view of our own time to die? Where do I focus and where do I waste my time? Do I spend my time on the things that truly remain and are truly valuable and if not what am I waiting for?” Gové said.

He called on the congregation to follow the couple’s example of service and selflessness, and to prioritise family and friends.

Jeremy and Lorraine Gambin's coffins and wreaths Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

He described how Jeremy had entered semi-retirement early to spend more time with his wife and family, and to travel.

“They had a desire to spend time with those that they loved,” he said.

Gové also praised the love and balance the couple shared during their 45-year marriage, noting they had known each other for half a century. He said they would now experience “the most perfect love for eternity together”.

Family members delivered emotional readings, with many holding back tears.

The Prime Minister looking over at the grieving family Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Jeremy Gambin, 68, was a well-known basketball coach at Luxol and former national player who represented Malta at the 1987 Games of the Small States of Europe in Monaco. He also taught physical education at St Michael’s Foundation.

Lorraine, 67, officially named Cynthia, and Jeremy had three children and several grandchildren.

Kevin and Sandra Bonnici's funeral will be held privately.