IN MEMORY OF PATRIK MALAMAS
Patroklos "Patrik" Malamas has suddenly passed away at the age of 77 years. He is mourned by his wife Maria Fregidou-Malama, children Dimitrios and Nonis as well as their families, relatives and friends.
Patrik was born in Serres in Greece and moved to Sweden and Uppsala in 1966 to escape political persecution. He had been politically active since his high school years and in Uppsala, he was active in the resistance movement against the military junta in Greece. He was also involved in other groups who fought for freedom, independence and democracy. By quickly learning Swedish at Biskops Arnö College he was able to help not only other Greeks but also people from other countries seeking asylum and refuge in Sweden.
Patroklos was a big football fan. In the Swedish-Greek Association he was engaged both as a coach and player. He loved FC Barcelona and was vice chairman of the supporters' association Penya Blaugrana d'Uppsala. He witnessed many matches at the Camp Nou in Barcelona and also saw three Champions League finals at different venues around Europe. Each time he saw his Barcelona to lift the trophy.
Patrik engaged in voluntary work, in politics and in the trade union movement. He was a member of the Board of Building Workers' Union, the immigrant Council of Uppsala, the local municipality council of Danmark and was a juror in the District Court. During all his years in Uppsala, he collaborated with the Left Party through the Greek resistance movement and was a member of the party since the late 1980s. He was never afraid to speak his mind, to ask questions or to critically examine those in power.
A favorite past-time was using a camera to document his family life, demonstrations, conferences and travels in other countries. He accompanied his wife in conferences and followed the discussions of sociologists about the working class. Patroklos loved life, had humor and many friends and colleagues in Sweden, Greece and around the world as the true internationalist which he was. As a self-employed and owner of Uppsala Livs och Video he worked almost until his death, since he loved to meet people and regarded his work as a social endeavor.
Gender equality was very important to Patroklos and as early as 1980, he spent nine months paternity leave caring for his second child. He was an expert at domestic chores and an excellent chef; he very much enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He loved his children and grandchildren, and participated in the youngest grandchild’s naming ceremony one week before his death. He was alert, had new ideas and traveling projects and was planning for his 78th birthday.
We joyfully remember a beloved life companion and father, a freedom fighter, a lover of justice and peace.
For the family
Maria Fregidou-Malama, Dimitrios Malamas, Nonis Malamas