Vassilis Rekaris recently passed away at the age of 92.
His brother Kosmas shared a few words, commemorating his life as a relentlessly hard worker.
Vassilis was born in 1928 in Nestorio, Kastoria. He finished primary school and continued his studies at the other local school, which existed until the Greek-Italian war broke out in 1940.
The situation at that time was difficult for all and so our big brother had to contribute to the survival of our family.
Vassilis was active, resourceful and ready to take any initiative and carry out what was assigned to him, and carried this attitude into his later life.
After some time, Vassilis served in the military as a radio operator and received his army diploma and later went on to learn the art of shoemaking from our father.
Vassilis was anxious for the future and so by Christmas 1954 he had made his way to Sydney and eventually moved to Melbourne.
He found a way to set up a small business of his own and to called over his wife. This is because, if I remember correctly, he had said that “in this country, in order to have a good home, one must have a partner”.
He invited Diamantoula, his wife, and our sister Christina for company. Later relatives and friends also joined him.
His character was progressive because he never thought of doing wrong, even against this very country because he worked until he was 92 years old. He was a relentless bee in this country that gave him the opportunity to become who he is. He had conquered Exhibition and Lonsdale street.
