ARRANGEMENTS are underway for the funeral of long-time Didim resident, Karlheinz Pfalzgraf, following his untimely death while on holiday in Crete.

News has been slowly emerging from Greece and the expat community of Karlheinz’s sudden death believed to be from a heart attack, while on the Greek island on July 19. He was aged 76.

According to the information we have, Karlheinz had arrived on the island on July 7. Following his death, and due to administrative procedures initiated by the Turkish and Germany consulates, his body was moved to Athens.

Although he had no relatives – his wife died some years ago – efforts underway to bring his body back to Didim and for burial next to his wife in Akkoy.

He was described by many as a personality who liked to explore – hence this visit to Crete.

It is understood that Karlheinz came to Turkey 35 years ago and fell in love with Didim. He and his wife resettled and he became a Turkish citizen in 2004.

Known as Ali and “German Ali” by his friends in Didim, Karlheinz had a colourful personality and a lot of Turkish, German and British friends. He had lived in Taşburun.

When his wife, an alternative medicine expert, passed away 15 years ago, he continued to live alone in his home, but devoted his life to nature and animals.

Karlheinz was also an active member of the Association of Dogs and Animals (DİHAD).

Tamer Kor, who has been a neighbor since childhood, spoke of Karlheinz’s life and the efforts to bring him back to his spiritual home