Apostolos Zaparas came from a line of battlers. Born in Melengitsi Serres on 29 June, 1931, his father Paschalis went to fight in WWII when Apostolos was just nine years of age.

Killed in 1941, Paschalis was offered a Certificate of Appreciation for Honourable Service to his country. More importantly, he left behind a legacy for his son, who grew up proud of his father’s contribution for his country.

Later, he was made a member of the RSL for his father’s contribution to WWII.

Being of Vlach descent in Macedonia, the Zaparas clan were known in the region for being Macedonian fighters (Makedonomahi) and, Mr Zaparas was always doing research on his family heritage.

Vlachs in Macedonia had a proud Greek consciousness however spoke a different dialect which originated from the Latin language. His mother, for example, could not speak Greek and only spoke in the native Vlach dialect.

As a young boy, Apostolos, like many who grew up in that region, spoke several languages fluently.

His gift, when it came to learning languages, had to do with his love of socialising and interacting with people. Apostolos was most alive when surrounded by people, talking, laughing, arguing. He was most passionate about politics, history and his Heritage as a proud Greek and Vlach.

Vlachs contributed greatly to the Greek national struggles. They were also great benefactors to the Greek nation, both financially and intellectually.

As was the custom in those days, Mr Zaparas was betrothed at the tender age of 14 years to Zoe, and the arrangement was sealed with a gold coin. He married Zoe, who was also of Vlach descent, at the age of 20 years.

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The young couple migrated to Australia in 1967, bringing with them their two children – 14 1/2-year-old Peter (Paschalis) and Stella, aged just over four years.

The Zaparas couple worked hard in their new country, with Apostolos working as a butcher at the Abattoirs and at another job for a decade, starting at 6am in the morning and continuing non-stop until midnight, five days a week. On her part, Mrs Zaparas was a very competent seamstress.

Mr Zaparas, despite his hard life in the Antipodes, was always grateful for the opportunity which Australia gave him and his family. It was a bold decision but he was proud of coming, with minimal belongings to build a successful life.

Their children both became lawyers – Peter grew a large practice and Stella became a barrister at a time when female barristers were not so common.

As for his grandchildren, Apostolos was blessed with five grandchildren: three from Peter’s marriage to Lia, named Apostolos, Yianni and Zoe, and Lee and Tia from their daughter Stella and Peter.

Just like his children, his grandchildren went on to get high-level educations, and this is something Mr Zaparas was very proud of.

He was always eager to talk about his grandchildren, and carried around with him a crumpled photocopy of a Neos Kosmos newspaper clipping showing his grandson Apostolos’ high school grades. He also shared camaraderie and bonds with his other grandchildren, and they would laugh and joke together, and also enjoyed the company of his great grandchildren.

An active member of the community, he served as the former president of the Pan Macedonian Association and the Senior Citizens of Oakleigh.

Above all, he will be missed for his strength, perseverance and fortitude.