Farewell Michalis

The heart and soul of Kathimerini, the person who through many decades embodied the history of the newspaper, Michalis Katsigeras, has died, leaving a void that will be difficult if not impossible to fill.

It is indeed not easy to think that this paper of record will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year without Michalis, who was its living memory, and the person responsible for its front page for the last 30 years.

Born in 1946, he studied theatrology in Paris. A rare source of knowledge, he knew and appreciated history, in the deep sense of the word. Every time he shared his insight and experiences with us, he made us better journalists.

His “Filistor” column traveled back in time and was read with immense interest by many, old and young, through the years.

He engaged in spirited conversations on a wide range of subjects, from last century’s darkest hours and the era of Hitler and Mussolini, to the shortcomings of modern-day Greece. He also showed a keen interest in American democracy, its strengths and weaknesses. But what this writer will remember most is his pride in his daughters, and also a loving father’s anxiety about their future.

A true professional, an intellec- tual, a teacher for many, but above all a giving person and a kind friend, Michalis was always there for us, and first and foremost for his family.

All of us, his readers, his colleagues, his friends, and above all his wife and daughters, will miss him immensely.

Michalis Katsigeras, who died Sunday at the age of 72, had been responsible for Kathimerini’s front page for the past 30 years. His funeral will be held today, at the First Cemetery of Athens.