Popular Bermudian DJ and music promoter Paul Sofianos died on May 3rd only three weeks after his 43rd birthday. Paul passed away yesterday morning after a 6 year struggle with kidney failure and treatment having been diagnosed with kidney disease in the summer of 2004. In December of that year, both his kidneys failed. After almost a month in hospital he became a dedicated campaigner to raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation.

Paul also used his skills as a DJ and concert promoter to raise funds for the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital dialysis unit. Marianne Herbert, Senior Dialysis Nurse and Renal Transplant Coordinator, said yesterday: “Staff members and patients at the Beresford Swan Dialysis Unit were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Paul’s passing. He was always looking out for the interests of other dialysis patients. “He donated TVs with DVD players to the unit so other patients could be entertained during treatment. Paul was a strong advocate for organ donation and looked for every opportunity to promote this important subject.”

Last night the social networking site Facebook was flooded with an outpouring of grief from hundreds of friends and relatives not only in Bermuda but especially Canada where Paul had a special relationship with the Canadian Classics Rugby team. Classics organizer Tom Woods was both shocked and deeply saddened by Paul's passing. "He was one of us from the moment we arrived on the island. He attended all our matches, helped us organize social events and attended everything we did. He was an honorary Canadian and very proud of it!"

In a poignant last posting, Mr. Sofianos wrote on his page on Sunday: “Paul Sofianos loves his boo with all his heart and is praying that she knows how much he loves her.” Heartbroken girlfriend Jodi Corbett said last night: “Paul was a caring, loving, special person to me, and I will miss him terribly.

A passionate music fan, Paul was one of the three promoters behind Bermuda's own 441 Productions which staged concerts in Bermuda showcasing local and overseas talent. Fellow 441 promoter and long-time friend John Burcher said: “Everyone loved Paul. He was a fantastic friend, he cared about everybody and was such a big-hearted person. “I’ve known him since 1987 when we worked together at the Rum Runner club. It was always a pleasure to work with Paul. Everything he did, it was from the heart. He was a truly great friend.” “441 will still be around and we will put something together in Paul’s name,” he said. The third partner of 441 Productions, Andrew Holmes, was off Island last night.

Much of the music played after the World Rugby Classic matches was either Paul, or organized by Paul.

Shawn Brady, Canadian singer with U2 tribute band Elevation, said on Mr. Sofianos’s Facebook page: “You were one of a kind. We will all miss you Paul.” He said the Canadian band would dedicate their show in Halifax this Saturday to him.

Among the hundreds of other messages paying tribute to the late promoter and entertainer were comments such as: “Paul was a bright light to all those who were fortunate to know him”, “Bermuda has lost a great man”, and “Heaven has truly found another angel”.

Mr. Sofianos attended Saltus, Warwick Academy and Fryeburg Academy in Maine, US, before studying hotel management at Bermuda College.

He was a radio presenter for Mix 106 at DeFontes Broadcasting Company from 1995 to 2000 and also worked at Oasis nightclub and Rum Runner.

From November 1998 he worked for Gosling’s for ten years, and was a Brand Manager for Gosling’s Export Bermuda. Charles Gosling, Hamilton mayor, described him as a good friend, and said: “Paul was a larger-than-life character. He was such a great guy to work with.”

Paul was a staunch supporter of the Canadian Classics Rugby team. He and his previous wife Shannon were hosts as well as huge fans of the Classics. They attended every match as well as every event that the team held. Paul was a fixture at Swizzle Inn where the Canadian Classics make their home in Bermuda and played at virtually every event that the lads have put on over the years. Jay Correia, owner of Swizzle Inn had this to say; “Over the years Paul had a constant presence at our pub be it as a Goslings rep, DJ, concert promoter, charity coordinator or simply as a customer. Whatever the reason his sense of humour and larger than life presence was always welcomed and enjoyed by our staff and customers. Whatever the occasion he brought happiness and a positive spirit to the Swizzle Inn.”

We will all miss you Paul, especialy when we play in Bermuda in November.