You were my everything – Roulla Savva pays tribute to husband

The widow of businessman and community leader John Savva described her husband as her “anchor and safe place” during an emotional memorial service held in his honour at Walvis Bay on Friday.

Roulla Savva reflected on a lifetime of love, partnership and shared dreams.

She said her husband’s death had left a silence “so heavy it reaches the heavens,” but his warmth, kindness and unwavering support would remain with her forever.

“You were far more than a husband, you were my truest friend. You brought light into every corner of my life and turned the ordinary into something extraordinary,” she said.

She recalled how Savva supported her through every challenge, how his strength became her strength, and how his laughter filled their home.

Roulla described her late husband as a man who lived with integrity, gave selflessly to his community and family, and left behind a legacy of love that can never be erased.

“You were my sunshine, my eternal flame. Death may have taken you from my sight, but it can never extinguish the fire you lit in my soul,” she added.

Their daughter, Gorgi, followed with a moving reflection on her father’s courage and warmth, recalling how he taught them to face life without fear.

“Every person who crossed your path was met with your warmth, humility and generosity. You made the impossible seem effortless,” she said.

She reminded mourners that her father’s love for Walvis Bay and Namibia ran deep and urged the community to take care of the town and country and carry forward his spirit through kindness and unity.

Gerda Bastos, speaking on behalf of the ‘Golden Girls’, a close-knit group of friends which included Roulla, remembered John as a man who brought laughter and light into their shared lunches and outings.

“We never went out without Roulla and John. He had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and valued,” she recalled.

Savva, an honorary consul for Cyprus and Greece for decades, died on 11 October at Walvis Bay.

He was 77 years old.

He will be laid to rest at Walvis Bay on Saturday.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.