Prodromos Galatalis (8 Apr 1970 - 28 Apr 2021)

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ProdromosThe Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust

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Location
Taunton Deane Crematorium Wellington New Road Taunton TA1 5NE
Date
25th May 2021
Time
11.30am
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In loving memory of Prodromos Galatalis who sadly passed away on 28th April 2021. Prodromos was born in Port Elizabeth on 8th April 1970 to Anna and Costa Galatalis and younger brother to his sister, Angelica. The family were part of the vibrant Greek community in Port Elizabeth. Prodromos attended Parsons Hill Primary School during this time. His family moved to Thessaloniki, Greece in the late 70's which Prodromos really enjoyed and had very fond memories of the family and friends that he met and spent time with there. In 1981 his family returned to Port Elizabeth and he attended Summerwood Primary School and later Pearson High School. It was during this time that Prodromos was nicknamed Battlestar Galactica by a teacher who had a bit of trouble pronouncing his full name and surname. This name stuck with all his classmates too with it evolving to Battlestar and Bats. Prodromos always spoke extremely fondly of his school days spent in the Humewood and Summerstrand area with his friends, with so many stories of their pursuits. At high school, Prodromos became interested in rugby and with his big build soon made an impression and was part one of the best ever Pearson first teams in 1988 - playing prop with his godbrother, Bambo who also played in the front row.

Prodromos met his wife to be, Gaye, in 1989 when they were both in matric. After completing matric, he spent two months in Greece reconnecting with his friends that he had met when he was younger and also meeting his cousin, Marina, from Australia whom he had never met. Prodromos had such a wonderful time in Greece over those two months. After returning to SA, he went on to study and completed a Marketing Management Course before embarking on a year of compulsory national service in the SA Defence force (2nd last intake before conscription was scrapped in South Africa), being seconded to Bloemfontein, Ladysmith KZN, George and ended up working in the Marketing Department in the SA Defence Stores in Pretoria for the remainder of his national service.

After completing his military service, Prodromos headed overseas with friends to London where Gaye joined him six months later. During this time, Prodromos, worked in the building trade and in a house cleaning business in London while also taking the opportunity to be able to travel in Europe. It was always his dream to travel to the Greek islands and this dream was realised in 1994 when he and Gaye packed up backpacks and headed to the Greek islands for 10 weeks of summer. There was no prior plan, it was just go with the flow and over 12 islands were visited during this time. This was definitely one of the best holidays that Prodromos and Gaye ever had!

After a couple more years in London, working and travelling (including another trip to Greece with his parents in 1995), Prodromos and Gaye decided to head back to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Prodromos went back ahead of Gaye and got settled workwise by buying a share in the Total Garage on the Humewood Beachfront. Gaye and Prodromos celebrated their engagement in 1997 and were married in August 1999 in both the St Mary’s Anglican Church and the Greek Orthodox Church on the same unseasonably hot afternoon.

In 2000 they moved into their own home in Nathan Road, Broadwood and in April 2002, Prodromos announced to his Dad and Mom that Gaye was pregnant with a son which was a week before his Dad, Costa, sadly passed away. Prodromos was so proud when his son, Costa was born in December 2002 and his daughter, Alexia was born in March 2005. He was a devoted and hands on Dad every step of the way and very proud of their achievements.

After a family holiday to the UK and Cyprus in 2015 and worrying about the economic future of the South Africa, the family along with his mom, Anna, decided to move to the UK to join Kayleeann and Tony already in the UK, which happened in 2018 with Prodromos paving the way for the rest of the family back in South Africa to join him in Taunton, Somerset where he was enjoying his new role as a Store Manager with the Euro Garages Group.

Prodromos, has left the most incredible legacy of love and kindness in his family’s lives and to everyone that has come into his life. His genuine love of people, living life to the fullest and proactively and gladly organizing so many outings, get-togethers, weekends away and opportunities for memories to be made for so many is unparalleled. His greatest wish was for his now teenage children to share his love of Greece and his dream of touring Greece with them was realised in the summer of 2019 when they spent three glorious weeks touring the Ionian islands. Prodromos’s aim was to retire to Greece one day and even though he is no longer with us, he will soon be able to fly free amidst the azure Aegean seas and skies - in our hearts forever.

Due to current Covid restrictions, a Service at the Taunton Crematorium Chapel and tea afterwards at Living Light Church, Gipsy Lane, Bishops Hull TA1 5LQ for invited guests, will be held on Tuesday, 25th May at 11:30 GMT, for those wishing to join the service online, you may do so at the time of the service or for up to 28 days following. please visit:

https://www.obitus.com/index.php?page=home (copy and paste the link to your browser and login with details below)
USERNAME ruhu2050
PASSWORD 504222

We would welcome your messages with your memories of Prodromos as well any photos you may want to share on the online obituary. You can view the obituary by clicking on the link below.

Yolanda and Gary Horne lit a candle
Jon, Denise, Callum, Maya and Perran wrote

What a guy. A more genuinely friendly, generous and hospitable mate you couldn’t hope to have.

I don’t think I’ve ever met a busier person. With a work ethic like I’ve never seen, Prodromos was always busy. The various shops, petrol stations and deliveries, then the braiing and an exceptionally sociable host. Probably the only time I remember him sitting still was on the grass bank at the cricket. And generally, he’d then nod off! Resting time!

Always upbeat, even when faced with the devastating health news, It always seemed, from the outside, that he would get there, if only through the sheer will of his positive mindset.

All of us who had the chance to meet Prodromos, and spend time with him, will miss the warmth of his personality, and his geniality, but be incredibly thankful for the time he gave, and interest he took in our lives. Someone to aspire to be like, and to be inspired by. Rest in Peace Prodromos.

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Gaye Galatalis posted a picture
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Darren & Shelly Bartlett donated £30 in memory of Prodromos
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Marian Van Almelo wrote

I only had the privilege of knowing Prodromos for a very short time. I was taken by his kindness, positivity, encouragement and the love he had for his family. The amazing love he had for his Mother didn’t go unnoticed. Sending best wishes to Gaye, Costa and Alexia. You were truly amazing yesterday during the service. He was a truly wonderful person whom I will remember fondly. May he RIP.

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Joanna Themistokli donated £100 in memory of Prodromos

We are so saddened to hear the terrible news of his passing. May he rest in peace and live on in loving memory. You are all in our prayers at this most difficult time. The Themistokli family

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Anna Galatalis donated £100 in memory of Prodromos

In loving memory of my dear som Prodromos - forevwr in my heart xx

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Lauren Currie wrote

Prodromos, you will always be fondly remembered. You were such a go getter and always full of fun. Ross and I and the kids always enjoyed being with you and Gaye and the kids. We are so sad that you have left us but are at peace that you are with your Saviour.

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  • Thank you Lauren ,Ross, Michael and Olivia for the great memories xx

    Posted by Gaye on 25/05/2021 Report abuse
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Lucy, Ronald and Chloe James wrote

Thinking of all the family at this hard time. He was an amazing man who had a lasting impact on all he met. His spirit will live on with us when we come together. Sending best wishes

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  • He loved you guys, but it was little Chloe that truly melted his heart xx

    Posted by Gaye on 25/05/2021 Report abuse
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Pat Grebe wrote

Prodromos, I can still not understand why I am writing this., we are still shattered by the awful news, thought it was just a dream.
You were such a special soul. We had such awesome times together at our "Greek Family"
Working with Mom for so many years at Cadbury gave us the opportunity to meet her precious family who she so adored.
Weekends were either celebrated with a lovely home cooked Greek meals by Mom Anna orwe would all arrange to spend a lovely day at Beachview and celebrate with all our other special friends Jenny, Cyril, Tracey, Raden and have an absolute ball.
I will never forget the delicious mussels you used to cook on the fire for our starter treat. You were always such a loving and kind son, friend, gentleman and eventually parent to your precious children and loving wife Gaye.
Our thoughts are with all the family not only today, but also in the days that follow. RIP and we will certainly miss you.

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  • I will never forget those special times with you, Dave and the kids! You guys were such a fun group to be with xx

    Posted by Gaye on 25/05/2021 Report abuse
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Jordan-Lee Maritz lit a candle
Charalambos Christodoulou wrote

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to my dearest Godbrother today. Prodromos will be fondly remembered by all that knew him. His selfless nature and kindness were always evident, and he touched so many lives during his time on this earth. You will not find a more genuine soul and he will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts are with the family not only today, but also in the days that follow. Today life paused, albeit just for a short while, to honour this special man, husband, father, brother, uncle, son and friend…

RIP Prodromos. Until we meet again... God Bless.
The Christodoulou Family

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  • Thank you so much, Bambo and Leonie for your beautiful tribute xx

    Posted by Gaye on 25/05/2021 Report abuse
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Charalambos Christodoulou donated £100 in memory of Prodromos
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Pamela Paton wrote

I remember when Gaye first told me about the hot Greek guy that lived upstairs in the apartment block she moved into with her parents and Kim. Lots of days were spent giggling and peaking through her front door spy hole to see Prodromos walk up the stairs, until she got the courage to actually talk to him. Prodromos, little did I know then that you and Gaye would get married, have kids, and travel across continents together. It's been a privilege to know you. She chose well. RIP

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Tracey-Lee van Jaarsveld posted a picture
The Galatalis Family Visit Us In Pretoria

The Galatalis Family Visit Us In Pretoria

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Tracey-Lee van Jaarsveld wrote

There are people who touch your life & impact it in such a way that they can never be forgotten. Prodromos, you were a man who had so many friends one can honestly not count them. Always a ready smile, very practical, sensitive, extremely kind, a man who treasured his family and celebrated life. When the moment allowed for it you could be super quirky too those blue stripy shorts, T-Shirts that were unpacked 10 years after they were purchased in England and of course those blue slip slops, all bring a smile to memory. Our most special memories of our families were all tied up in home gatherings, family celebrations, family braais, camping, road trip adventures and holidays. Walking through the orange tree orchards in the Langkloof or forest walks in Hogsback. Jovial tipsy trips to wine farms along Route 69 from Four Cousins to Arabella. We were educated on a variety of wines but your favorites were always the Ports & Jerapico's. Summer holidays spent languishing next to the Bushmans River floating wit the current to the river mouth. Stays at Groenkloof Farm outside Graaf Reinet with Ester Egg Hunts for the children and Gaye explaining the meaning of Easter to them. Days spent feeding the Lambs and calf's with bottles & long walks on the farm. Camping at Carmel or cultural trips to the Grahamstown Arts Festival. Trips to Cape Town for Kayleeann and Tonys wedding and spending time with Angelica and her family along the Spice Route. Each day came to a close when the sun set, the evening sky filled with stars, there was the sound of a crackling fire blazing to life, stories of the day were shared, rugby games watched, life lessons told & laughter could be heard till late in the evening. This is how we will always remember you Prodromos. Thank you for the memories. You will always be with us in spirit. Much Love Always Raden, Tracey-Lee and Tegan.

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Family Holiday Vibes, Menories Made.

Family Holiday Vibes, Menories Made.

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Birthday Party Dress Up’s

Birthday Party Dress Up’s

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Birthday Party Dress Ups!

Birthday Party Dress Ups!

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Christmas 2018 Bath

Christmas 2018 Bath

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