In Loving Memory of
George Micheal
(1963–2016)
George Michael was more than a pop star. He was a voice, a poet, a provocateur, and a deeply human soul who never stopped evolving.
Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, London, George rose to global fame in the 1980s as one half of Wham!, delivering sun-soaked hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Club Tropicana." But it was his solo work that would seal his legacy — soulful, searching, and unapologetically bold.
Albums like Faith, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, and Older showcased not just vocal brilliance, but emotional depth. His music blended pop with funk, soul, and gospel — but it always led with heart.
George was a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, a passionate philanthropist (often anonymously), and a fiercely private man who gave everything to his music and his causes.
He passed away peacefully on December 25, 2016, at his home in Goring-on-Thames. He was just 53. His legacy lives on through his voice, his courage, and the millions who still press play.
He was one of us — and far more than most of us dared to be.
“George had the voice of an angel and the soul of a fighter.”
— Elton John
Lovely Little Facts
Tea or coffee? – Coffee. Strong. With cigarettes (at the time).
Sweet or savoury? – Sweet. Especially a good dessert.
Introvert or extrovert? – Both. Publicly dazzling, privately thoughtful.
Favourite colour? – Black — stylish, timeless, and a little bit mysterious.
Favourite song (not his own)? – "These Are the Days of Our Lives" by Queen
Favourite food? – Greek home cooking — especially avgolemono soup.
Best holiday memory? – Ibiza sunsets with friends and no schedule.
Quote he lived by? – “Be good to yourself 'cause nobody else has the power to make you happy.”
Most worn item? – Aviator sunglasses and leather jackets.
Best known for? – That voice, that heart, that honesty.
“He made pop music with depth, elegance and truth.”
— Adele
A Life in Pictures
“He gave quietly, generously, and constantly. That was the real George.”
— Close friend - anonymous)
Life Timeline
““He was brave enough to live out loud. And kind enough to give without asking for applause.”
— Andrew Ridgely, Wham!
A few of my Favourite Things
Flower: White lilies
Book: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Film: The Godfather
Cocktail: Vodka martini
Pet: He adored dogs, especially Labradors
Quote: “Everything happens eventually.”
Smell: Cigarette smoke and cologne — a signature combo
Charity Causes: HIV/AIDS awareness, homelessness, LGBTQ+ rights
“We lost a musical genius, but the world gained a legacy.”
— LGBTQ+ Foundation
Memory Maps
East Finchley, London
Where it all began.
Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
His peaceful final home.
Ibiza
His spiritual escape and creative retreat.
Los Angeles, USA
Where he wrote much of Faith.
Highgate, London
His beloved home and garden haven.
You gave the world your voice, but to us, you were just George — funny, generous, and always late for dinner. We miss your laugh most of all."
— Melanie Panayiotou, sister
A Final Word
Thank you for taking a moment to remember George.
He gave the world rhythm, romance, and raw honesty. He stood up for love, for freedom, for truth — even when it cost him. And he never stopped caring, even when the spotlight dimmed.
He once said, "You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart."
We’re so glad we listened to his.
Rest peacefully, George.
You were — and always will be — loved.
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