Family, Friends Farewell Kolino Meo
There was a solemn atmosphere inside Samabula East Methodist Church as family and friends farewelled the former director of the then Fiji Institute of Technology now Fiji National University, Kolinio Rainima Meo Snr, yesterday.
He was later laid to rest at Lovonilase at the Old Suva Cemetery.
Mr Meo, 72, died on January 7, 2019 after a short illness.
In a moving eulogy, Peceli Rinakama said Mr Meo left a legacy that could always be cherished by the future generation.
“He was a brave man. I can compare Mr Meo to a freshwater fish called Beli. Even though it was a small fish it could survive any circumstances,” Mr Rinakama said.
“He was a man that never wavered easily. What Mr Meo left behind will always be a guideline for the future generations to follow.
“He was a well known and popular figure among his peers in Fiji and overseas as well. He was a simple but hardworking person.”
Lelean Memorial School old scholar Pita Nacuva said Mr Meo was a man of his words.
“The last time I spoke to him was December 2 last year. We always had something to talk about when we met. His books were always full of motivation,” Mr Nacuva said.
“I liked to read all the books he wrote. I am thankful for his words of wisdom which I will always cherish forever.” He is survived by wife Asenaca Adikavu Nakarawa, seven children and 20 grandchildren.
Mr Meo attended the then Sese District School, now Volivoli Primary School.
He attended Lelean Memorial School before he joined Nasinu Teachers College and graduated in 1967 as a primary school teacher.
He resumed further studies at the University of the South Pacific and graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 1977.
He became a Senior Education Officer in 1978 and Principal Education Officer in 1987. In 1995, he was appointed as the Deputy Secretary for Education and in 1999 he was the Deputy Secretary for Fijian Affairs.
In mid 1999 to 2000 he was the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism & Transport.
The former Justice of Peace was a member of many national councils and boards be- tween 1987 to 2008. He was awarded as one of the Top 100 Educators in 2006 by the International Biographical Association (IBA) of Cambridge, England.