Devoted husband, father and friend passed away
He was a visionary who set a shining example of the kind of unconditional love.
Andreas Hajipavlou, aged 87, died peacefully at his home on 24 October after a brief struggle with poor health.
He was born in Cyprus on 30 November 1926.
To the parishioners of Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, Andreas was a guiding light and a founding father. He set the example of what a devoted husband, father and friend should be. He always did his best to be patient with his three children, and he tried to carve out some quality time with each of them. He was the perfect father.
He was a visionary who set a shining example of the kind of unconditional love required to see a marriage through good times and bad – always an optimist, always willing to pitch in and do whatever was needed, all the time truly believing that things would work out in the end … and they did.
Andreas also was a fantastic friend. He saw the good in people, and if he saw the bad, he certainly didn’t gossip about it. If you needed him, he was there and asking what he could do to help. His wonderful sense of humour and sharp wit, and above all deep love for God were clear for all to see.
He had a great deal of faith and rarely missed Sunday services as long as he was physically able to. He truly believed that he could “pass through raging waters in the sea and not drown” because God was with him the entire time. He will be sorely missed.
Andreas is survived by his wife Dalia, and his daughters Helen, Aphrodite, Maro and their families.
The funeral service will be held at St Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 26 Amajuba Street, Noordheuwel at 10am on 2 November with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg and Pretoria, Damaskinos, officiating.
