ILIESA Tawalo’s father Mosese Baledrokadroka says he is grateful to God for giving him peace and the heart to accept his son’s tragic passing over a year ago.

While remembering his son and Pacific Flying School trainee pilot Merelesita Lutu at a memorial service in Nadi yesterday, he said only God’s peace allowed him and his family to continue their life without Iliesa.

“We’ve reached the one-year anniversary of Iliesa and Merelesita’s passing and I thank God for giving us this day and for bringing us this far,” he said. “We have lived without Iliesa for one year, but every day we think about him.”

Iliesa and Merelesita died when the ill-fated Cessna 172 plane they were in crashed in the mountain ranges at Delaikoro, Macuata on February 26, last year.

“I believe everything has happened in God’s timing and according to His will,” Mr Baledrokadroka said.

The service, attended by family and friends of the pair, was held at the Pacific Flying School headquarters. Speaking on behalf of Merelesita’s classmates and friends, Tanisha Chandra said the trainee pilot had touched a lot of people’s lives.

“She was always happy and someone who we could go to when we were troubled by something,” she said.

“One thing about Mere was whenever she was going through a tough time, she always turned to the Lord. It helped her, give her peace of mind and it helped her with her studies knowing that everything was going to be OK.”

Watch video: