Memorial event pays tribute to film director
MORE THAN £1,100 has been raised at a memorial event for a ‘selfless’ musician and filmmaker who passed away aged 49.
John Katsoulieri’s friends and family gathered at the Flying Horse in Rochdale on November 4 to celebrate his life after he passed away in September after a two-year battle with Pancreatic cancer.
Father and uncle John, of Westfield Close, Norden, was a filmmaker and musician, who dedicated his life to helping others and his creative and charitable work.
He raised funds for the victims of the 2004 Asian Tsunami, founded art charity Human First and spent time on peace projects in Kosovo.
John also built links with the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, where his ashes are scattered and where his son, Gabriel, currently lives.
His sister, Sharon, a childminder from Milnrow, described her brother as her ‘everything’ and said he would be forever in her heart.
She said: “John was a massive part of my life and left a huge void that will never be filled.
“He was a very selfless man. He helped at the Salvation Army, composed music and directed films for charities – it was never ending for him. He did a lot of work, but didn’t brag. I just want the whole world to know what he was like, he was everything to me.”
The fund-raising event, which raised £1,126 in aid of Dr Kershaw’s and Springhill Hospices, saw between 80 and 100 guests attend and showcased John’s life through pictures and music.
His personal playlist was played throughout and the band The Scattering performed.
Photos of John’s life appeared on-screen with photo albums and there was a peace album showing all his charity work and a book of memories for people to look through.
John directed a number of films, including And She Cried, Aelia Laelia, Waking up On Christmas Morning – which was recorded live at a Music Beats Cancer event – and Two Souls, plus music videos for local bands and festivals.
John’s first feature as a writer and director, And She Cried, was inspired by the hate crime killing of Sophie Lancaster and was screened at the Odeon in Rochdale.
Sharon added: “All hospice staff were amazing. John’s celebration was filled with memories shared by his family, friends and hospice staff. I’d like to thank everyone who came to remember John. John will forever be in my and his nephew Adam’s heart.”