Family, close business associates and friends gathered at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral in Suva yesterday to celebrate the life of Michael Thomas Brook.

The well known entrepreneur and tourism figure died from cancer at the age of 68 last Saturday.

On behalf of Mr Brook’s family, his son Thomas Brook described his father as a man who spent most of his life giving back to the community.

“I’m certain that members of the church will agree that Mike contributed most significantly to the church in many ways that will be remembered

“He was passionate about his work; he loved his children and his grandchildren even more.” Thomas Brook said

He said that while his father received several awards, certificates, and medals that recognised his contribution to the nation’s economy, his most significant achievement was receiving the Order of Fiji medal from the President.

The chairman of Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange David Voss, a close friend and business colleague, said he met Mr Brook on Castaway Island 41 years ago and they hit it off.

“We travelled and played together, Mike was involved heavily in tourism in his early years. After selling his island and hotels, he went to Levuka to help the heritage trust there. Then he came to Suva and was heavily involved in the church work,” Mr Voss said

Reverend Fereimi Cama on delivering his eulogy on behalf of the church described Mr Brook as an interesting, deeply committed and spiritual person.

“When he gives, he wouldn’t like anybody to know what he has given, when there are church and school functions where we are required to raise funds, he would give and would remind us not to let anybody know,” Reverend Cama said

Mike Brook was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He had six children, three girls and three boys and treasured his six grandsons.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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