EULOGY FOR MAURICE CHILS CBE

I am grateful for this opportunity of saying a few words in tribute to my great friend Maurice Childs, on behalf the the President of the country, (who has agreed to formally acknowledge the contribution of Maurice) British Chamber of Commerce and Industry and indeed of Albanian people. I first met Maurice in 2003 when he was a Director of British Executive Service Overseas for Central and South East Europe. We met at his office in Victoria where he received me most warmly. At the time i was setting up the Albanian British Albanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Maurice was most helpful with his advice and full support.

It was through him that meetings and introductions were made with the Parliamentary All Party Friends of Albania in the British Parliament, which paved the way for subsequent visit from the Parliaments. He was also instrumental in making connections with the Royal Agriculture Show in Warwickshire, Coventry, Stonley, where Albanian farmers, through the Chamber (ABCCI) exhibited for 4 consecutive years and he later co- organized a major event on Albania at Carlton Club in London which was attended by 150 people from the business communities and the members of the Parliament from the UK and Albania.

In every way i can say that Maurice was my mentor and i learned a great deal from him. he was generous with his time and advice as to how we could bring Albania to the attention of the world after the period of full isolation for fifty years under Communist regime. Indeed he took a great interest in Albania and sought to learn as much as possible about its history and the culture. He retained this interest even when his health did not permit him to take an active part in the Chamber’s activities. I will always be grateful to him for this high level of support.

Maurice was a wonderful and warm personality and great friend and i will remember with great affection. Throughout his life he sought to improve conditions for those disadvantaged by political, economic,and social pressures. His passing is a great loss, to his family of course, but also to the international community.

I wish to convey our deep sympathy to Margaret, his children: Sara,Tom and Harry over their great loss.

May he rest in peace.

In conclusion i should like to propose a toast, so please be upstanding as we raise a glass to the memory of a very great man and dear friend, TO MAURICE.

The memorial service was held on 29 th January 2014 at St. laurence Church , Seale, Farnham, near Guildford, Greater London, the United Kingdom.