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  "fullName": "Rashit Mehmet",
  "pageId": 116012122429,
  "pageHandle": "856dd724-c6af-44ea-829a-e6d114b0aebe",
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  "deceasedPhoto": "https:\/\/memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com\/20230724_piR4Iupee1",
  "dateOfBirth": "22\/7\/1936",
  "dateOfPass": "20\/6\/2021",
  "deceasedShortBio": "Rashit, who grew up on a farm in Xerovounos, Cyprus, left for London in 1955 in pursuit of economic opportunity. There, he met and married Petroulla. They are survived by three children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.\n\nIn the wake of Cyprus's partition in 1974, the UN Peacekeeping Force was called upon to protect the border town of Xerovounos, which was frequently attacked by Greek Cypriot forces in the dead of night. After his father passed away, Rashit took his mother to live in what is now named Yeşilrmak (Limnitis), where he would spend most of his later years residing.\n\nRashit was a wise and kind man who was cherished by everybody who met him. ",
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  "keyFacts": {"birthLocation":"Xerovounos, Cyprus","deathLocation":"London, United Kingdom","memorialLocation":"New Southgate Cemetery, London","parents":"Mehmet & Saltana","maritalStatus":"Married","spouse":"Petroulla Mehmet","children":"Victor, Robert, and Sylvia","occupation":"Farmer","ethnicity":"Turkish Cypriot","genderIdentity":"Male","languages":"English, Greek & Turkish","hobbies":"Gardening, Storytelling, Farming, History","favouriteDrink":"Whisky","favouriteHolidayDestination":"Cyprus"},
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  "story1": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230717_Gv5uLdg315","storyTitle":"Early Life in Xerovounos, Cyprus","storyDescription":"In the year 1936, Rashit Mehmet was born in the mountaintop village of Xerovounos in Cyprus to two farmers, Mehmet and Sultan. Rashit was the only surviving child of four children. \n\nRashit started his formal education in school when he was seven years old; however, by the time he was ten years old, he was required to quit his schooling so that he could assist his mother with the labour on the family farm. Rashit would continue to do so until he was 19 years old, at which point he would move to London, England, with the hope of finding more prosperous employment prospects there.","isChanged":true},
  "story2": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230717_3CadqKFGYP","storyTitle":"Rashit's Voyage: A Story of Struggle and Self-Discovery","storyDescription":"The year was 1955 when Rashit Mehmet, in a bid to raise his standard of living, decided to uproot himself from his native land in Cyprus and embark on a journey to London, England. Armed with an inheritance from his father, he spent a week crossing the ocean, not fully aware of the changes that lay ahead.\n\nRashit's new life in London introduced him to Petroulla, a hardworking woman at a local café. Their connection was instant, but their relationship was far from smooth sailing. The cultural divide between Rashit's Turkish-Cypriot roots and Petroulla's Greek-Cypriot roots caused tension, eventually leading to their secret marriage and subsequent decade-long estrangement from Petroulla's family.\n\nLife threw another curveball at Rashit when he was conscripted into the British army. During his service, Petroulla took on the challenge of raising their child alone in London. After Rashit's discharge, he grappled with the transition back into civilian life.\n\nRashit's story is a complex tapestry of hardships, choices, and personal growth. It portrays a man who ventured into a new world, endured family tension, and navigated life's many challenges. His relationship with Petroulla, while marked by affection, was far from a fairy-tale romance. His story is a powerful reminder of the intricacies of human life, with its trials, transformations, and the multifaceted nature of love.","isChanged":true},
  "story3": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230717_fukZm(w2d!","storyTitle":"The Storyteller: A Tale of Laughter and Generosity","storyDescription":"No one could tell a story quite like Rashit Mehmet, lovingly known by his grandchildren as \"Dede\". He had an uncanny knack for keeping his listeners on the edge of their seats, not knowing whether to laugh, gasp, or both. One of his favourites was the tale of his audacious approach to military conscription. He would chuckle as he recounted going right when ordered left, moving forward when told to fall back, his insubordination a badge of humour and a testament to his individuality.\n\nRashit, the master of jest, would often voice an outrageous statement just for the sake of a good laugh. His eyes would sparkle with mischief as he watched the shock ripple through the room, followed by a well-timed wink and self-satisfied chuckle when the penny dropped. He was a man who loved a good joke, loved a good story, and most importantly, loved the sound of laughter ringing through the room.\n\nBut there was more to Rashit than his jovial nature. He was deeply generous, always willing to slip an extra note to his grandchildren or shower them with their favourite chocolates. And when it came to advice, he was never stingy. He spoke his mind with a frankness that was sometimes startling, but always rooted in care. Whether it was about questionable 'donkey' burgers or matters of the heart, Dede wasn't one to shy away from giving his two cents.\n\nHe wasn't perfect, but his love was never in question, even if it wasn't always shown in conventional ways. He taught his family the power of laughter in the face of adversity, the importance of speaking one's mind, and the true value of generosity. His unique blend of wit and wisdom, of love and laughter, remains etched in their hearts, a testament to a life truly well-lived.","isChanged":true},
  "story4": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230717_3A1qnXIP*(","storyTitle":"Dede Extraordinaire: A Heartwarming Legacy","storyDescription":"Rashit Mehmet was not just a grandfather, he was an adventurer, a sage, a gourmet, a defender, and a pillar of unwavering support. Known affectionately by his grandchildren as \"Dede,\" he was a figure of love and immense pride, who etched a profound influence on their lives with his vibrant personality and boundless energy.\n\nAn anecdote that perfectly encapsulates his spirit is a memorable incident involving a bus, a forgotten grandson, and a race against time. Believing he'd left his grandson Kristian on a bus, Rashit embarked on a frantic chase, pounding the windows and bellowing at the driver. It was only after this adrenaline-fuelled pursuit that he realised Kristian was safe and sound behind another family member. This little episode, filled with absurdity and relief, perfectly depicted his fierce protective instinct and his readiness to move mountains for his grandchildren.\n\nRashit was also a tour guide of sorts, showing his grandchildren the ins and outs of London. He delighted in their sense of wonder and made it his mission to spark their curiosity. As a lover of history, he gifted his grandchild a wealth of knowledge through history books, fostering a deep appreciation for the past and the lessons it held.\n\nThe generosity that characterised Rashit was beyond material gifts, though those were plentiful - from hampers of Cypriot potatoes to a never-ending supply of Cadbury chocolate. It was his generosity of spirit, the open heart that welcomed their partners, the love that never ceased, that left a lasting mark. He was their defender, their advocate, ready to step up whenever they needed him.\n\nHis love wasn't just a pampering kind. Rashit wasn't one to shy away from giving them a reality check when he thought they needed it. And his frankness even extended to food - he was quick to disapprove of poor quality 'donkey' burgers, all the while conjuring the best goat curry that had their tastebuds tingling.\n\nRashit's pride in his grandchildren was as vast as the ocean, evident in every wink, every smile, and every heart-to-heart conversation. He believed in them, championed for them, and above all, wanted them to be the best versions of themselves. Rashit Mehmet, the extraordinary Dede, is remembered for his laughter, his wisdom, his love, and his unforgettable goat curry - a grandfather whose legacy lives on in the hearts of his proud grandchildren.","isChanged":true},
  "story5": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230717_6ual1n)0z!","storyTitle":"In The Sunset Years: The Latter Life of Rashit Mehmet","storyDescription":"In his later years, Rashit Mehmet became a traveller divided between two worlds - the bustling streets of London and the tranquil fields of Yesilirmak, Cyprus. Known for his sprightly spirit and zest for life, Rashit's twilight years were marked by a deep connection to his roots and a determination to stay active, combined with an unwavering devotion to his family and friends.\n\nA farmer at heart, Rashit would often travel back to his beloved Cyprus, spending half the year tending to the fields in Yesilirmak. This wasn't merely a pastime but a way to connect with his homeland, feeling the fertile earth beneath his feet and watching the fruits of his labor blossom. The fields were his refuge, a space where he could find solace and peace.\n\nBack in London, Rashit was a recognisable figure in the streets. His love for walking was matched only by his penchant for dressing smartly. In his suit and hat, he cut an impressive figure, a testament to his commitment to making a good impression and maintaining a sharp appearance, regardless of his age.\n\nRashit's life was marked by a significant loss when his wife, Petroulla, passed away in 2010. The heartbreak was profound, but Rashit found strength in the life they had built together. He continued his life's journey, carrying her memory in his heart.\n\nRashit's social life was vibrant and engaging. He cherished the old Turkish coffee shops in London, where he would often meet his friends, reminiscing about the past and discussing the present. These shops were more than just venues; they were echoes of his Turkish-Cypriot heritage and places where he could connect with his roots.\n\nYet, amidst these activities, his love for his grandchildren never waned. Whether hopping on a bus for an hour-long journey to see them or showering them with attention during their visits, Rashit was a grandfather through and through.","isChanged":true},
  "story6": {"storyPhoto":"https://memorialstories.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/20230717_m)L3OCX-4(","storyTitle":"Eulogy","storyDescription":"Today, my dad's given me the honour of reintroducing you all to Rashit Mehmet, better known to many of us as 'Dede'.\n\nBorn 22nd July 1936, Son of Mehmet and Saltana, Husband to Petra, Father of Victor, Robert and Sylvie, Dede to 10, Big Dede to three, friend and storyteller to all else who knew him.\n\nEver since arriving in England all those years ago, Dede always looked the part. Almost every memory I have of him is of him wearing his suit and hat. Always seeking to make a good impression.\n\nBut, as you all know, he was also quite the character, so it's tempting to stand here and reminisce about all the stories Dede was either a part of or those he told - the good, the bad, and the ugly.\n\nHowever, at least in his later years, I believe that his heart was in the right place. And today, this is what I want to talk about... I want to talk about the Dede I knew.\n\nGrowing up as a child, I couldn't ask for a better grandfather.\n\nWhether it was slipping us £50 notes behind my father's back,\n\nchasing down bus driver's when he thought he had left Kristian on the bus after a day out in London,\n\nor proudly showing us the fruits of his labour in the fields of Cyprus.\n\nMany of the happiest times during my childhood were times spent with him and Yiayia. They were proud to be our grandparents, and as children, there was nothing more we could ask for.\n\nI've always known Dede to be full of opinions, and it is clear where I get it from.\n\nWhether it was his disapproval of 'donkey' burgers in Cyprus (which, by the way, I only recently found out that they weren't actually made out of donkey meat - just poor quality burgers),\n\nor that I should have proposed to Emma much sooner (which I'm sure she agrees).\n\nHe was never shy to speak his mind.\n\nAnd yet, he would say something absolutely outrageous, and amidst all the commotion he had just created, he'd look at me and wink as if to say, \"They've fallen for it\".\n\nIt took me until I was 24 to realise he was just pulling legs... just like I so often do.\n\nDede was also one of the most generous people I've ever known.\n\nHe welcomed Emma when we were 16 and treated her like she had been in the family for years. He’d always think of her and her family when buying gifts for others.\n\nWhen he found out her favourite chocolate was Cadburys, he would give her at least ten sharing bars every few months and tell her not to give me any because I was too fat.\n\nWe didn't agree on everything, and yes, there were times we clashed. But those were just moments, not lifetimes. Dede understood that more than anyone.\n\nHe was the type of grandfather who would gently advise us when we strayed off the well-beaten path, drawing on his own experiences and regrets in life to make sure we didn’t make the same mistakes as he did. Often being the man he needed in his youth.\n\nI did listen to him on one thing, at least. As the years went on he kept advising me to have a baby, and hand on heart, it was the best decision I’ve ever made.\n\nAva’s favourite film for several months now has been Disney’s ‘Coco’. When I first saw it, it was just another Disney film to me. However, Dede’s passing has made me think of death in a new light.\n\nThe film turns to the Mexican tradition, the Day of the Dead, which offers a more optimistic view of a person's journey to the afterlife.\n\nThat our journey to the other side should not be viewed as an inevitable terror but as a reminder to treasure our loved ones, both living and heavenly.\n\nAs long as our loved ones are remembered here on earth, they will live on for eternity.\n\nI appreciate that he may not have always loved some of us in the way that we wanted him to.\n\nBut that doesn't mean he didn't love us with everything he had.\n\nMay we always remember him and cherish the good times we had together.\n\nLet's raise a toast to a life well lived.\n\nUnfortunately, two of his grandsons couldn’t make it here today due to the pandemic. I know they will be thinking of Dede from afar, so if anyone wants to raise a glass in their absence - please do.","isChanged":true},
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}