“He was one person that was always happy, kind at heart, a person who gives and is always there for the village of Lutu.”
That’s how the late former Olympian silver medalist Josaia Raisuqe was remembered yesterday in his home village of Lutu in Wainibuka, as family, classmates, teammates and the rugby community gathered to farewell one of their own.
The church service overflowed with people standing outside, heads bowed, as hymns rang through the village and his coffin was carried from his home to the church, and then to his final resting place.
Joji Rinakama spoke on behalf of the Vanua and the family.
“He never held grudges. He was someone who gave to his family, to his Vanua, to the church,” Rinakama said.
He recalled a story that to him says everything about the man Raisuqe is to the people of Lutu.
“I once asked a villager about the church being repaired,” he shared.
“He said, ‘Yes, your son Jo gave some money for that.’ That’s just the kind of person he was.”
Fiji Airways men’s 7s rep Suliano Volivoli, delivered an emotional tribute on behalf of the Fiji Rugby Union, remembering his former teammate as both a beast on the field and a kind-hearted person off it.
“We, his teammates during his time with our national 7s side, still cannot believe he’s gone,” Volivoli said.
“It hurts us he is no more.”
Volivoli shared how Raisuqe’s love for competition extended even into light-hearted moments.
“He never wanted to lose to his tau from Vanua Levu in friendly team banter. He truly is from Fiji,” he said.
His wife, Ilona Valette spoke in French and her brother, who helped translate her simple, final words.
“I love you all my life, baby.”
And so, the village of Lutu laid their son to rest with love, respect and pride.
