RENOWNED local artist Apimeleki Vakarau, who died last Tuesday, is expected to be buried this week.
Mr Vakarau was a quadriplegic, but did not let his disability hinder his passion to create illustrations with his work appearing mostly on Senikau Spa’s products and in locally published books.
He is also the father of Miss Sugar 2016 Matilda Vakarau.
An emotional Miss Vakarau said his passing had come as a shock.
“We were accustomed to him getting sick at least once or twice a year and he would be admitted, but he would always pull through,” she said. This time around it was different.”
Mr Vakarau had been a flight attendant before a rugby-related injury 18 years ago led to his paralysis. He is survived by his wife, three children and three grandchildren.
Miss Vakarau said the funeral service and burial was expected to be held at Navuso, Naitasiri.
