Captain Yauvoli, a man committed to his work

The late Captain, Penitiko Yauvoli, was a man who was known to have loved his job, his family and the Bible. Captain Yauvoli, 58 who sadly passed away in Suva on Friday was the Harbour Master for the Port of Lautoka for the past eight years. He was the former Assistant Harbour Master in Suva before transferring to Lautoka in 2013 to take on the role of Harbour Master.

His daughter-in-law, Litea Yauvoli, said the news on the passing of her father-inlaw was an emotional one for the family as Captain Yauvoli had just lost his wife, Raijieli Yauvoli, in December of last year. He served at the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and Fiji Ports for more than 30 years.

Mrs Yauvoli said he was due to return home on Wednesday after being in Suva for the last two months.

“He always has his annual medical checkup and since he went in February, he has been there ever since and was supposed to go for his review next Tuesday and then finally come home on Wednesday,” she said.

“He loved his work. He was very committed and even when he was sick he made an effort to go to work, a gentleman who was Godfearing.

“When mum passed away in December last year, one thing for sure was that he was never the same but he was fortunate that he still had the kids to still look after him.”

Captain Yauvoli was the eldest of six siblings. He is the elder brother of outgoing Director-General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Amena Yauvoli. “Mother’s Day this year will never be the same, we are still in pain after losing mum just in December,” she said.

“Every night during devotion he always tells us ‘Love your neighbour and serve your God’.

“We will miss him.” Captain Yauvoli will be laid to rest at the Nasinu Cemetery next Saturday. He is survived by his six children.