The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia is mourning the sudden and unexpected passing of its President Bill Gonis.

Gonis was one of the longest serving presidents of GOCSA.

In 2006 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal.

After years of experience in the corporate world and after all the support and encouragement he received from the community Bill Gonis took the GOCSA reigns in January 2015.

The Greek Orthodox Community issued a statement to announce Bill’s passing.

“Mr Gonis was a humble man, an exemplary leader with a vision, and he will be sorely missed. We are deeply saddened and still in shock as is the rest of the Multicultural Community with his sudden passing. The Board and the Supervisory Committees of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA extend their sincere and deepest sympathies to the family.”

Upon hearing the news of his passing, President of SAMEAC Adrianna Christopoulos also said: “Such incredibly sad sad news. Bill was such a humble man, a true gentleman and a community leader but besides all of that he was a good man and a friend. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family, friends and to the Greek Community.”

Ms Christopoulos told  Neos Kosmos: “It’s so devastating. Such a beautiful humble man. We are shocked! He wanted to work with everyone to move forward and provide a sense of community”.

Chris Despotakis, Director – Owner of Radio ENA told Neos Kosmos:”Devastating news. Our sincerest condolences to his family, the Greek Orthodox Community of SA and to the wider Greek community…We have lost one of our leaders and a wonderful warm and kind person. May he Rest In Peace.”

Both his parents migrated to Australia in 1956 from the Peloponnese in Greece.

Bill Gonis leaves wife Christine, son Peter and daughter Betty behind.

Details of his funeral will be announced in due course.