My dearest friend
 
I chose to say goodbye for your last journey, writing a few words, while so many memories passed through my mind and denatured into words.
There is a lot of what we have lived together; what to remember first? 
Thank you, for all the things you have done for me personally and for my family. Thank you, for sharing moments of your life with us every time you came back from London with Tina, to your favourite Messolonghi. Thank you, for making our lives beautiful with your smile, the warmth of your soul, the integrity of your character.
We both walked life along, albeit remotely, for over 50 years, since we met, fresh-faced kids at the Evelpidon school. Later, we followed different routes but our love and destiny always found a way to resurface our friendship. Thank you for the love you gave us unselfishly. We will miss the genuine you have represented.
You took care of my son Epaminondas, during his studies in London, as if he was your own child and he considered you his second father. You were always there for him, loved and supported him.
As a genuine Messologitis, you chose to "leave" when your much-loved Messolonghi celebrated the Vaion Sunday. You "flew" in the morning sky, to flaunt it from above.
Good bye my friend Lakis. My heart is full of love, respect and admiration for the strength, pride and patience with which you faced your serious health problem that tormented you the last two years. You fought, you didn’t bend.
My family and I, are devastated by your loss but proud of the way you walked through life, your stance and your immense personality. We were honoured to be your friends.
Above all, though, the person who is entitled to be most proud of you, is your beloved Tina, who had the distinct privilege of having you as her husband. She stood next to you, showed unbelievable strength, love and devotion till the end. Now, we will be here for her, stand for her, her family…
 
Farewell my friend and good heaven…
 
Thanasis Ep. Lyros