Head Boy dedicates achievement to late dad
Ionly wish my father was here to see me receive my badge today.
This was the sentiment shared by an emotional 13-year-old, Ratu Wame Waqanaceva Koroi, after being badged as Suva Primary School’s head boy, yesterday.
Ratu Wame dedicated his achievement to his late dad, Jone Koroi, a former National Fire Authority chief executive officer and Fiji Public Service Credit Union general manager.
Mr Koroi passed away at his home in Navua on January 25, following a short illness.
Ratu Wame said although he misses his father, he would try his best to live by his teachings daily.
“My dad taught me the basics of life, from the simplest things like brushing my teeth every morning to uprooting dalo from our family farm, cleaning it and getting it ready to be sold,” Ratu Wame said. “He reminded me that I was strong and I was able to achieve anything if I put my heart and soul into it.
“I miss my dad, but I will live by his teachings.” Mum, Setaita Koroi, said her husband lived a simple life.
“Even with his busy life professionally, he always found the time to spend and enjoy with his family,” she said.
“He always told me that it wasn’t always about the title, but more of the service. That was his mantra.
“Before he passed on, he had prepared everything for our family, this included teaching our sons to work the family farm and how to handle financials in our family-owned business.
“Last Friday, a day before he had passed on, he assured me that he was ready to leave and on Saturday, by his bedside in the presence of all his children and I, he left us to be with our Maker,” she said.
A number of significant positions held by Mr Koroi included Fiji Hardwood Corporation financial controller and acting general manager Post Fiji manager audit, Fiji Hardwood, NFA director and CEO.
He was the Fiji Public Service Credit Union general manager and Skaffworks managing director when he passed away.
The late Mr Koroi, 46, is survived by his wife and seven children.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, January 31, at the family residence in Navua.