Miltos Papadopoulos has paid tribute to his close friend Dimi Mavropoulos, describing him as a generous and kind-hearted man known for his humour and zest for life.
Speaking on Politis 107.6 and 97.6’s Second Look programme, Papadopoulos said Mavropoulos’s death had left a profound void among his friends and across Limassol.
The well-known businessman died in a boating accident after his private vessel struck rocks near Cape Greco during the severe weather that hit Cyprus on Saturday.
A friendship marked by humour and generosity
Papadopoulos said it was particularly difficult to speak about someone he regarded as both a friend and a brother.
“Only good things can be said about Dimi Mavropoulos. It is very difficult for me to speak about someone so dear to me, a friend and a brother,” he said.
He described Mavropoulos as kind-hearted, honourable and charitable, noting that he had helped many people.
“He was always smiling, full of life and humour,” Papadopoulos said.
He added that Mavropoulos loved good company and teasing his friends.
“He was a man with a huge heart. God had truly blessed him with kindness,” he said.
Their final phone call
Papadopoulos revealed that they had spoken only a few days before the accident.
“The first thing I remember is that he called me on Friday, on my birthday,” he said.
“Miltos, I saw that it is your birthday,” Mavropoulos told him, before asking him to visit after returning from a trip to Athens.
“That was the kind of relationship we had. We were very close,” Papadopoulos said.
Memories of Limassol Carnival
Reflecting on one of the final happy occasions they shared, Papadopoulos recalled taking part in the most recent Limassol Carnival.
“We took part in a float together with a wonderful group of friends. We had a fantastic time. We performed satirical sketches, laughed and teased one another,” he said.
He described it as a memory that would remain with him.
His contribution to motorsport
Papadopoulos also spoke about Mavropoulos’s passion for cars and motorsport.
“It was a tremendous passion. He was among the pioneers of motorsport in Cyprus,” he said.
Mavropoulos was an accomplished rally driver who recorded significant successes and made an important contribution to the sport.
Papadopoulos described the Cyprus Motor Museum in the Ypsonas industrial area as Mavropoulos’s lifelong dream.
His devotion to Limassol
Asked whether Mavropoulos’s greatest love was cars or the sea, Papadopoulos said there was something he loved even more.
“Above all, he loved Limassol,” he said.
Mavropoulos contributed extensively to the city and was actively involved in events, activities and initiatives.
“His loss is immense for the city,” Papadopoulos said.
Daughter and partner out of danger
Papadopoulos said he had received calls from friends and acquaintances wishing to express their grief from the moment news of the accident emerged.
“The loss is immense for all of us,” he said.
According to the information available to him, Mavropoulos’s partner and daughter are out of danger, while his daughter sustained only minor injuries.
“We will miss his presence, his company, his humour, his kindness and his love of life,” Papadopoulos said.
