The news of the death of Professor Andre Gerolymatos, 67, after a tough battle with cancer, hit the community like a bomb.

It was impressive that just a few minutes after the news of his death was posted on The National Herald’s websites, readers phoned us to express their grief.

That’s because Andre left his mark behind him as he passed from the Earth (his funeral will take place on Thursday, June 6, at St. George’s Church, 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, BC).

He accomplished much during his life as a professor and writer. His most important achievement, however, of which he was particularly proud of and grateful, was that with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and, personally, its Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos, he founded the best programs in Hellenic Studies in North America.

In particular, he was Director of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s Centre for Hellenic Studies at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada.

Andreas was a colleague of mine in our English edition. But above all, he was a dear friend – for decades.

He combined a sharp mind with an innate kindness and courtesy.

He was a member of a generation of greats, a towering, intellectual presence in our community who made significant contributions to the Greek Community in his native Canada, in the U.S.A and to Greece.

Unfortunately, he left life prematurely.

To his wife, Beverly, I express my most sincere condolences.

Will miss him.

Rest in peace.