OnDeck – July 2019

GEORGE GERONYMAKIS

IN MEMORIAM

FAMILY, FRIENDS, BUSINESS ASSOCIATES AND THE ENTIRE SHIPPING AND BUSINESS

COMMUNITY BID FAREWELL TO GEORGE GERONYMAKIS, WHO SUDDENLY PASSED

AWAY ON THE MORNING OF JUNE 3, AT THE EARLY AGE OF 68

WORDS GERASIMOS GEROLIMATOS

George Geronymakis was a distinguished lawyer specializing in

shipping and yachting. George Geronymakis remains a symbol of

righteousness and a paragon of professionalism. Polite, affable, deeply

cultured, well-informed in his field and a role model of family life.

A unique personality and a man we will remember forever. Skipper

ONDECK deeply regrets the loss of an excellent lawyer, scientist,

partner, friend and discussant. We take this opportunity to convey our

heartfelt condolences to the family.

The funeral was held in deep mourning on Wednesday, June 5, at the

Orthodox Church and Cemetery of the Resurrection in Piraeus.

I thought it was unfair. I was devastated. An adorable family whose

company we always enjoyed full-heartedly. George Geronymakis was

a formidable intellect and the definition of a larger than life charac-

ter. Outgoing, reputable and a true gentleman. George Geronymakis

was a sea enthusiast, who always honoured the industry’s events and

the leading Yacht Shows held around the world. There is no need to

speak a lot about Mr. George. There is not much room for words. From

what I understand and know, his actions spoke louder than his words.

Those who have exchanged even a handshake with him know exactly

what I mean. Cooperating with his firm and with Aris, his son and

now my friend, was the only way. I felt safe and protected from point

zero. I simply felt I could relax. There was an answer to each question.

Although his law firm had hundreds of cases, mostly complex ones, I

was never left in bewilderment and I was never kept waiting. I remem-

ber that Mr. George was well informed and concerned about even the

simplest case like mine. In our encounters at the canteen in Cannes or

Monaco, what was in his mind was our boat - smaller than 14 meters-

even if he had just finished an appointment on a 50m yacht. You know,

people of this calibre never treat anything as “small” because they

themselves are very “big” in mind and soul.

Mr. George has become a beacon, a source of positive thinking and

energy that will forever inspire us. You know, great managers take

care of everything, especially their succession and evolution. His work

is palpable, alive, and his vision will be followed by a worthy captain

who is no other than his son Aris. We will stand by him_GG