IN MEMORIAM-Tribute to a fighter

Thanos Kareklas was born on August 6th 1974 in Nicosia. His father Panayiotis moved to the city from the now occupied village of Skylloura and his mother Antigoni comes from the Lagoudera community, not far from the capital.

Thanos grew up in the Strovolos suburb with a sister, Christina, three years his junior. He graduated from the Arhangelos Technical School in 1992 and was then conscripted in the army for a two year service before ultimately joining the police force in 2000. He served from various posts, including the special mobile reaction unit (MMAD), the road accidents unit, crime investigation, the crime prevention squad and as a duty officer at the central Lykavittos station in Nicosia.

Ηe married Monica in 2001. They had Nicholas that same year and Antigoni two years later. His family always came first and Thanos encouraged his children to enjoy every moment, every drop of life and always make the best of what they truly loved.

As a police officer, he was dedicated, responsible, consistent and approachable, always willing to go that extra step to help out. His ever-present smile, eagerness and kindness, endeared him to everyone, family, friends and colleagues. Thanos was creative and remained physically active in his free time with his favorite pastimes and sports, such as hunting, fishing, shooting and exercising. His all time favorite sport however was cycling, through which he made a lot of friends, who admired him for the inspiration he gave them and the spirit that distinguished him in everything that he did.

Perfectionism and tenacity really drove his personality in every aspect of life, that’s why he achieved every goal he reached for and taught his kids to push forward and strive for success in what they set out and wanted to do. Sadly, his big inspiring smile is no longer with us. Thanos died suddenly on December 2nd 2015 at 41 years old. He shattered the hearts of his family, relatives, friends and all those who knew and loved him for the man he was.

In a time of grief, his dear wife Monica found the courage, strength and kindness to donate the money offered as support at her husband’s funeral to our Association. Part of it was used to create this website, dedicated to his memory. We offer prayers to the Holy Trinity, and the God and Creator of all, to have mercy on his soul and give him a place in Paradise for a peaceful eternal life next to the Saints and all our fellow men and women.

We kindly ask all our website visitors to offer the same prayers.

May we remember Thanos for all time!