Funeral speech for Andreas Nicandrou
28 December 2023
Our beloved Fifi, Nico, Kiki and Lena
I know how special and difficult these moments are. I also know that despite the heavy emotional burden, Andreas, your man, our friend, would not want exaggerations to be said. After all, he himself was a servant of measure, prudence and moderation.
You know, dear friends, there are some people whose work says more than words can say. And Andreas’ work speaks better than all of us about his personality and contribution: To his family, to society and to his professional field.
Allow me, for just a few minutes, to go through the time and some of the important moments, which Andreas sealed with his presence.
Andreas was born in 1938 in Ayia Varvara. He studied at Neocleous High School and continued his studies obtaining in 1962 the professional qualification of Chartered Accountant.
Together with Fifi, they had three children and five grandchildren.
From 1956 to 1979 he worked in the offices of the international auditing firm Price Waterhouse and later until 2001 as financial director of the companies of the Latsis Group. Since 2001 he has been a consultant on financial matters of the Group.
Andreas and I have been connected by a sincere friendship since the age of 12 when we both went to Neocleous High School in the same year. In fact, we worked together in the offices of Price Waterhouse in the early stages of our professional development. So, I think I can say that he had gifted abilities.
Andreas was for all of us a living model of the principles of humanity, honesty and integrity. He was an example of selfless giving and service to his beloved village AgiaVarvara.
To all of us, his friends, who have gathered here today to say goodbye, he radiated love and dignity and inspired respect and trust.
Therefore, we consider ourselves happy and very lucky to have had the honor of having him as a friend.
His commitment to the principles of integrity and objectivity founded the credibility with which he acted professionally. That is why he won the universal appreciation and respect of his colleagues and the wider society.
The course of his life was marked by important milestones. A course based on selflessness, charity, hard work and kindness. He fought his personal battles with fortitude and dignity.
The two books he wrote about his professional career and his memories of Cyprus in the 1940s which he dedicated to his parents and his wife show how close and loved his family is.
He was fortunate to have by his side, brace and supporter, his beloved Fifi, who shared with him the same noble feelings for fellow human beings and the society.
Andrea, you are the winner of a lifetime.
To your family and to all of us, you leave a strong valuable legacy.
To your wife, children and grandchildren, we extend our sincere condolences.
May your memory be eternal.
Theodoros Philippou
On behalf of friends and classmates