FORMER Fiji national rugby captain, the late Commodore Esala Teleni, was farewelled in a moving funeral service attended by hundreds of well-wishers at the Centenary Methodist Church in Suva yesterday.
“He was my brother and no finer person to have by your side on game day,” lamented former member of Parliament and former Suva and Fiji rugby teammate Samuela Vunivalu.
Vunivalu, who came from Nadi to attend the funeral, lightened the sombre mood as he reminisced of his old rugby playing days with Teleni.
“He was always the captain and although we sometimes stood opposite each other on the rugby field, friendship has formed a bond that will not be easily forgotten.”-
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama could not contain his emotion while delivering his eulogy as he spoke, not as a public official, but in his capacity as a comrade in arms and seamen at the farewell service for his “dear friend” Teleni, whom they served together in the Fiji Navy.
“We competed together in rugby, served together in the diplomatic corp, but our calling which would last a lifetime was during our service in the Fiji Navy,” Bainimarama said.
“We served together, trained together, we mend ships together, we eat together and we prayed together.”
Bainimarama commended the dedication of Teleni who served the nation diligently during his tenure as Fiji Navy Commander, Fiji Police Force Commissioner and ambassador to the People’s Republic of China as well as his appointment within the Ministry of Defence.
Teleni was farewelled by members of the diplomatic corp, members of Parliament, officers of Fiji’s security forces and hundreds of family and friends.
Teleni was laid to rest at the Lovonilase Cemetery on the outskirts of Suva City.
Teleni is survived by wife Mere Latu and two children, son Josefa and daughter Rebecca.
