We're so sad to hear that this beloved Maltese woodworker, known as Gorg Sammut Ta’ Mira, passed away yesterday. He was a legend in his town of Hal Qormi and beyond, having been asked to create stunning woodworks for various houses around the Maltese Islands.

Many were those who headed to the bubbly Gorg Ta’ Mira to ask for a quote for a traditional balcony or other wooden aperture, and with good reason. Having been a carpenter since the age of 13, he definitely had the experience!

Starting out under the wing of instructor Censu, who taught him everything he knew, Gorg started his own business at the age 25, and was already married with two kids by then. He even managed to buy his teacher’s tools from him, which are over 150 years old. “I thank God for the time I had with him,” he had said in a sweet video by Tentufiet (a local television programme) that featured his work.

In the video, Gorg can be seen describing a typical day, which starts off in true Maltese fashion – a cup of coffee. The clip shows him measuring things “a la antika,” as he says, measuring everything in inches, pencil in hand, as opposed to using a modern measuring tape.

One of his grandchildren took to Facebook to announce his passing. “I used call Gorg Ta’ Mira Nannu Gorg,” she says. “Keep watching over us.”

Rest in Peace, Gorg!